This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) is meant to be read in conjunction with the prospectus for the Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy, dated August 1, 20 20 , as
amended or supplemented from time to time (the “Prospectus”) and is incorporated by reference in its entirety into the P rospectus. Because this SAI is not itself a prospectus, no investment in shares of the Fund should be made
solely upon the information contained herein. The Fund’s financial statements and accompanying notes that appear in the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports are incorporated by reference into this SAI. Copies of the Prospectus, annual
report, and/or semi-annual report may be obtained at no charge by writing or calling the Fund at the address or phone number shown above or online at https://www.nottinghamco.com/fundpages/Matisse . Capitalized terms used but not defined herein
have the same meanings as in the Prospectus.
Starboard Investment Trust (“Trust”) was organized on May 13, 2009, as a Delaware statutory trust and is authorized to have multiple series or portfolios. The Trust is registered with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”) . The Trust currently consists of 14 separate series. This SAI relates to the
Matisse Discounted Closed End Fund Strategy (the “Fund”) , which is a separate, diversified series of the Trust. The Fund’s investment advisor is Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC dba Matisse Capital (the “Advisor”). The Prospectus
described the Fund’s investment objectives and principal investment strategies, as well as the principal investment risks of the Fund.
This SAI describes the financial history, management and operation of the Fund, as well as the Fund’s investment objective and policies. It should be read in conjunction with the P rospectus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Prospectus describes the Fund’s investment objective and principal investment strategies, as well as the principal investment risks of the Fund. All investments in securities and other
financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment program will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s principal investments and their risks
described in the Prospectus and this SAI.
The following descriptions and policies supplement the descriptions in the Prospectus and include descriptions of certain types of investments that may be made by the Fund but are not principal
investment strategies of the Fund. Unless otherwise noted, the investments described below may be made by the Fund directly or indirectly through its investments in other investment companies. Attached to this SAI is Appendix A, which contains
descriptions of the rating symbols used by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations for securities in which the Fund may invest. Appendix B contains a copy of the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures.
General Investment Risks. All investments in securities and other financial instruments involve a risk of financial loss. No assurance can be given that
the Fund’s investment program will be successful. Investors should carefully review the descriptions of the Fund’s principal investments and their risks described in the Prospectus and this SAI.
Additional Information Regarding the Fund’s Principal Strategies and Risks
Investment Companies. The Fund will invest in securities of other investment companies, including, without limitation, money market funds, closed-end funds,
and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). The Fund expects to rely on Rule 12d1-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), when purchasing shares of a money market fund. Under Rule 12d1-1, the Fund may generally invest
without limitation in money market funds as long as the Fund pay no sales charge, as defined in rule 2830(b)(8) of the Conduct Rules of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), or service fee, as defined in Rule 2830(b)(9) of the
Conduct Rules of FINRA, charged in connection with the purchase, sale, or redemption of securities issued by the money market fund; or the Advisor waives its management fee in an amount necessary to offset any sales charge or service fee. The Fund
will also purchase shares of other investment companies that are not money market funds. The Fund’s investments in such securities involve certain additional expenses and certain tax results, which would not be present in a direct investment in the
underlying fund. Pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(A) of the 1940 Act, the Fund will be prevented from: (i) purchasing more than 3% of an investment company's outstanding shares; (ii) investing more than 5% of the Fund's assets in any single such
investment company, and (iii) investing more than 10% of the Fund's assets in investment companies overall; unless: (a) the underlying investment company and/or the applicable Fund has received an order for exemptive relief from such limitations
from the SEC; and (b) the underlying investment company and the Fund take appropriate steps to comply with any conditions in such order. In addition, the Fund is subject to Section 12(d)(1)(C), which provides that the Fund may not acquire shares of
a closed-end fund if, immediately after such acquisition, the Fund and other investment companies having the same adviser as the Fund would hold more than 10% of the closed-end fund’s total outstanding voting stock. However, Section 12(d)(1)(F) of
the 1940 Act provides that the limitations of paragraph 12(d)(1) shall not apply to securities purchased or otherwise acquired by the Fund if immediately after such purchase or acquisition not more than 3% of the total outstanding shares of such
investment company is owned by the Fund and all affiliated persons of the Fund along with other conditions . Investments by the Fund in other investment companies entail a number of risks unique to a fund of funds structure. These risks include
the following:
Multiple Layers of Fees. By investing in other investment companies indirectly through the Fund, prospective investors will directly bear the fees and expenses of the
Fund’s Advisor and indirectly bear the fees and expenses of other investment companies and other investment companies’ managers as well. As such, this multiple or duplicative layer of fees will increase the cost of investments in the Fund.
Lack of Transparency. The Advisor will not be able to monitor the investment activities of the other investment companies on a continuous basis and the other investment
companies may use investment strategies that differ from its past practices and are not fully disclosed to the Advisor and that involve risks that are not anticipated by the Advisor. The Fund has no control over the risks taken by the underlying
investment companies in which they invest.
Valuation of Investment Companies. Although the Advisor will attempt to review the valuation procedures used by other investment companies’ managers, the Advisor will
have little or no means of independently verifying valuations of the Fund’s investments in investment companies and valuations of the underlying securities held by other investment companies. As such, the Advisor will rely significantly on valuations
of other investment companies and the securities underlying other investment companies that are reported by other investment companies’ managers. In the event that such valuations prove to be inaccurate, the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund could
be adversely impacted and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
Illiquidity of Investments by and In Other Investment Companies. Other investment companies may invest in securities that are not registered, are subject to legal or
other restrictions on transfer, or for which no liquid market exists. The market prices, if any, for such securities tend to be volatile and restricted securities may sell at prices that are lower than similar securities that are not subject to
legal restrictions on resale. Further, the Fund may not be able to redeem their interests in other investment companies’ securities that it has purchased in a timely manner. If adverse market conditions were to develop during any period in which the
Fund is unable to redeem interests in other investment companies, the Fund may suffer losses as a result of this illiquidity. As such, the lack of liquidity and volatility of restricted securities held by other investment companies could adversely
affect the value of the other investment companies. Any such losses could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of investment in the Fund.
Lack of Control. Although the Fund and the Advisor will evaluate regularly other investment companies to determine whether their investment programs are consistent with
the Fund’s investment objective, the Advisor will not have any control over the investments made by other investment companies. Even though other investment companies are subject to certain constraints, the investment advisor to each such investment
company may change aspects of their investment strategies at any time. The Advisor will not have the ability to control or influence the composition of the investment portfolio of other investment companies.
Lack of Diversification. There is no requirement that the underlying investments held by other investment companies be diversified. As such, other investment companies’
managers may target or concentrate other investment companies’ investments in specific markets, sectors, or types of securities. As a result, investments made by other investment companies are subject to greater volatility as a result of this
concentration than if the other investment companies had non-concentrated and diversified portfolios of investments. Thus, the Fund’s portfolios (and by extension the value of an investment in the Fund) may therefore be subject to greater risk than
the portfolio of a similar fund with investments in diversified investment companies.
Use of Leverage. The other investment companies may utilize leverage (i.e., borrowing) to acquire their underlying portfolio investments. When other investment companies
borrow money or otherwise leverage their portfolio of investments, doing so may exaggerate changes in the NAV of the shares of the other investment companies and in the return on the other investment companies’ investments. Borrowing will also cost
other investment companies interest expense and other fees. As such, the value of the Fund’s investments in other investment companies may be more volatile and all other risks (including the risk of loss of an investment in other investment
companies) tend to be compounded or magnified. As a result, any losses suffered by other investment companies as a result of their use of leverage could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and an investor could incur a loss of
investment in the Fund.
Fixed-Income Securities. The Fund will invest indirectly in fixed-income securities, through its investments in shares of
closed-end funds. These securities may include government and corporate bonds, mortgage bonds, convertible or preferred securities, loans, money market instruments, high yield securities or “junk bonds” and zero-coupon bonds. Zero-coupon bonds are
purchased at a discount from their face values and accrue interest at the applicable coupon rate over a period of time. Fixed-income securities purchased by the closed-end funds may consist of obligations of any rating. Fixed-income securities in
the lowest investment grade categories have speculative characteristics, with changes in the economy or other circumstances more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the bonds to make principal and interest payments than would occur with bonds
rated in higher categories. High yield bonds are typically rated below “Baa” by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) or below “BBB” by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”) or below investment grade by other recognized rating agencies. The
Fund may also invest indirectly in unrated securities through closed-end funds that invest in unrated securities under certain circumstances. Such bonds are subject to greater market fluctuations and risk of loss of income and principal than
higher rated bonds for a variety of reasons, including:
Sensitivity to Interest Rate and Economic Change. The economy and interest rates affect high yield securities differently than other
securities. For example, the prices of high yield bonds have been found to be less sensitive to interest rate changes than higher-rated investments, but more sensitive to adverse economic changes or individual corporate developments. Also, during
an economic downturn or substantial period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their principal and interest obligations, to meet projected business
goals, and to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a bond defaults, an underlying mutual fund may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and changes can be expected to result in increased
volatility or market prices of high yield bonds and the fund’s asset values.
Payment Expectations. High yield bonds present certain risks based on payment expectations. For example, high yield bonds may contain
redemption and call provisions. If an issuer exercises these provisions in a declining interest rate market, the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests would have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting
in a decreased return for investors. Conversely, a high yield bond’s value will decrease in a rising interest rate market, as will the value of the Fund’s or other investment company’s assets. If the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund
invests experiences unexpected net redemptions, it may be forced to sell its high yield bonds without regard to their investment merits, thereby decreasing the asset base upon which the expenses of the Fund or other investment company in which the
Fund invests can be spread and possibly reducing the rate of return of the fund or other investment company in which the Fund invests.
Liquidity and Valuation. To the extent that there is no established retail secondary market, there may be thin trading of high yield bonds, and
this may impact a fund’s ability to accurately value high yield bonds and may hinder a fund’s ability to dispose of the bonds. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the values and
liquidity of high yield bonds, especially in a thinly traded market.
Credit Ratings. Credit ratings evaluate the safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high yield bonds. Also,
because credit rating agencies may fail to timely change the credit ratings to reflect subsequent events, The Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests must monitor the issuers of high yield bonds in their portfolios to determine if
the issuers will have sufficient cash flow and profits to meet required principal and interest payments, and to assure the bonds’ liquidity so the Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests can meet redemption requests.
High-yield securities are deemed speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal over a long period of time. Special tax considerations
are associated with investing in high-yield securities structured as zero coupon or “pay-in-kind"” securities. The Fund or an investment company in which the Fund invests will report the interest on these securities as income even though it
receives no cash interest until the security’s maturity or payment date. The payment of principal and interest on most fixed-income securities purchased by a fund will depend upon the ability of the issuers to meet their obligations. An issuer’s
obligations under its fixed-income securities are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal Bankruptcy Code, and laws, if any, which may be enacted by
federal or state legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or imposing other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations. The power or ability of an issuer to meet its obligations for the payment of
interest on, and principal of, its fixed-income securities may be materially adversely affected by litigation or other conditions.
The ratings of S&P, Moody’s and other nationally recognized rating agencies represent their opinions as to the quality of fixed-income securities. It should be emphasized,
however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality, and fixed-income securities with the same maturity, interest rate, and rating may have different yields while fixed-income securities of the same maturity and interest
rate with different ratings may have the same yield. For a more detailed description of ratings, please see Appendix A.
Derivative Instruments. The Fund may invest indirectly in derivatives through its investment in other investment companies that use derivative
instruments. When other investment companies in which the Funds invest, enter into short sales, options, futures, and other forms of financial derivatives specifically described below, the investments involve risks different from direct investments
in the underlying securities. While transactions in derivatives may reduce certain risks, these transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices, or currency exchange rates may result
in a poorer overall performance of the funds than if they had not entered into any derivatives transactions. Derivatives may magnify the funds gains or losses, causing it to make or lose substantially more than it invested.
If a fund uses derivative instruments, such fund must comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the SEC, including SEC Release 10666
that requires a fund to segregate assets or otherwise “cover” its positions in a manner that limits a fund’s risk of loss. The Fund has no specific limit on the amount it invests in derivatives, directly or indirectly, although practical limits are
created by the requirement to segregate assets and hold offsetting positions in connection with such investments.
When used for hedging purposes, increases in the value of the securities a fund holds or intends to acquire should offset any losses incurred with a derivative. Purchasing derivatives for
purposes other than hedging could expose a fund to greater risks.
A fund’s ability to hedge securities through derivatives depends on the degree to which price movements in the underlying index or instrument correlate with price movements in the relevant
securities. In the case of poor correlation, the price of the securities a fund is hedging may not move in the same amount, or even in the same direction as the hedging instrument. A fund will try to minimize this risk by investing only in those
contracts whose behavior it expects to resemble with the portfolio securities it is trying to hedge. However, if a fund’s prediction of interest and currency rates, market value, volatility, or other economic factors is incorrect, a fund may lose
money, or may not make as much money as it expected.
Derivative prices can diverge from the prices of their underlying instruments, even if the characteristics of the underlying instruments are very similar to the derivative. Listed below are
some of the factors that may cause such a divergence:
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current and anticipated short-term interest rates, changes in volatility of the underlying instrument, and the time remaining until expiration of the contract;
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a difference between the derivatives and securities markets, including different levels of demand, how the instruments are traded, the imposition of daily price fluctuation limits or trading of an
instrument stops; and
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differences between the derivatives, including different margin requirements, different liquidity of such markets, and the participation of speculators in such markets.
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Derivatives based upon a narrow index of securities may present greater risk than derivatives based on a broad index. Since narrower indices are made up of a smaller number of securities, they
are more susceptible to rapid and extreme price fluctuations because of changes in the value of those securities.
While currency futures and options values are expected to correlate with exchange rates, they may not reflect other factors that affect the value of the investments of the funds. A currency
hedge should protect a yen-denominated security from a decline in the yen but will not protect the funds against a price decline resulting from deterioration in the issuer’s creditworthiness. Because the value of the funds’ foreign-denominated
investments changes in response to many factors other than exchange rates, it may not be possible to match the amount of currency options and futures to the value of the funds’ investments precisely over time.
Before a futures contract or option is exercised or expires, the funds can terminate it only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. Moreover, the funds may close out a futures
contract only on the exchange the contract was initially traded. If there is no secondary market for the contract, or the market is illiquid, the funds may not be able to close out a position. In an illiquid market, the funds may:
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have to sell securities to meet its daily margin requirements at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so;
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have to purchase or sell the instrument underlying the contract;
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not be able to hedge its investments; and
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not be able to realize profits or limit its losses.
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Derivatives may become illiquid (i.e., difficult to sell at a desired time and price) under a variety of market conditions:
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an exchange may suspend or limit trading in a particular derivative instrument, an entire category of derivatives, or all derivatives, which sometimes occurs because of increased market volatility;
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unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations of an exchange;
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the facilities of the exchange may not be adequate to handle current trading volume;
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equipment failures, government intervention, insolvency of a brokerage firm or clearing house, or other occurrences may disrupt normal trading activity; or
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investors may lose interest in a particular derivative or category of derivatives.
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If an investment advisor incorrectly predicts securities market and interest rate trends, the funds may lose money by investing in derivatives. If the funds were to write a call option
based on the investment advisor’s expectation that the price of the underlying security would fall, but the price were to rise instead, the funds could be required to sell the security upon exercise at a price below the current market price.
Similarly, if the funds were to write a put option based on the advisor’s expectation that the price of the underlying security would rise, but the price were to fall instead, the funds could be required to purchase the security upon exercise at a
price higher than the current market price.
Because of the low margin deposits required upon the opening of a derivative position, such transactions involve an extremely high degree of leverage. Consequently, a relatively small price
movement in a derivative may result in an immediate and substantial loss (as well as gain) to the funds and they may lose more than it originally invested in the derivative.
If the price of a futures contract changes adversely, the funds may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so to meet its minimum daily margin requirement. The funds
may lose margin deposits if a broker with whom they have an open futures contract or related option becomes insolvent or declares bankruptcy.
The prices of derivatives are volatile (i.e., they may change rapidly, substantially, and unpredictably) and are influenced by a variety of factors, including:
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actual and anticipated changes in interest rates;
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fiscal and monetary policies; and
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national and international political events.
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Most exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a derivative can change during a single trading day. Daily trading limits establish the maximum amount that the price of a derivative may
vary from the settlement price of that derivative at the end of trading on the previous day. Once the price of a derivative reaches this value, the funds may not trade that derivative at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only
price movements during a given day and does not limit potential gains or losses. Derivative prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days, preventing prompt liquidation of the derivative.
Government Regulation of Derivatives. It is possible that government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures and swap
agreements, may limit or prevent a fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent a fund from being able to achieve its investment objective. It is impossible to predict fully the effects of
legislation and regulation in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse.
The futures markets are subject to comprehensive statutes, regulations, and margin requirements. The SEC, the Commodities Futures Trading Commission, and the exchanges are authorized to take
extraordinary actions in the event of a market emergency, including, for example, the implementation or reduction of speculative position limits, the implementation of higher margin requirements, the establishment of daily price limits, and the
suspension of trading.
The regulation of swaps and futures transactions in the U.S., the European Union, and other jurisdictions is a rapidly changing area of law and is subject to modification by government and
judicial action. There is a possibility of future regulatory changes altering, perhaps to a material extent, the nature of an investment in a fund or the ability of a fund to continue to implement its investment strategies.
Under recently adopted rules and regulations, transactions in some types of swaps (including interest rate swaps and credit default swaps on North American and European indices) are required to
be centrally cleared, and additional types of swaps may be required to be centrally cleared in the future. In a transaction involving those swaps (“cleared derivatives”), a fund’s counterparty is a clearing house, rather than a bank or broker. In
cleared derivatives transactions, a fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their clients’ obligations to
the clearing house.
In addition, U.S. regulators, the European Union, and certain other jurisdictions have adopted minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives
transactions. It is expected that these regulations will have a material impact on a fund’s use of uncleared derivatives. These rules will impose minimum margin requirements on derivatives transactions between a fund and its swap counterparties and
may increase the amount of margin a fund is required to provide. They will impose regulatory requirements on the timing of transferring margin, which may accelerate a fund’s current margin process. They will also effectively require changes to
typical derivatives margin documentation. It is expected that a fund will become subject to variation margin requirements under such rules in 2017 and initial margin requirements under such rules in 2020. Such requirements could increase the amount
of margin a fund needs to provide in connection with uncleared derivatives transactions and, therefore, make such transactions more expensive.
The SEC has also issued a proposed rule under the 1940 Act providing for the regulation of registered investment companies’ use of derivatives and certain related instruments. The ultimate
impact, if any, of possible regulation remains unclear, but the proposed rule, if adopted, could, among other things, restrict a fund’s ability to engage in derivatives transactions and/or increase the costs of such derivatives transactions such
that the fund may be unable to implement its investment strategy. These and other new rules and regulations could, among other things, further restrict a fund’s ability to engage in, or increase the cost to a fund of, derivatives transactions, for
example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to a fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. The implementation of the clearing requirement has increased the
costs of derivatives transactions for a fund, since the fund has to pay fees to its clearing members and is typically required to post more margin for cleared derivatives than it has historically posted for bilateral derivatives. The costs of
derivatives transactions are expected to increase further as clearing members raise their fees to cover the costs of additional capital requirements and other regulatory changes applicable to the clearing members. These regulations are new and
evolving, so their potential impact on a fund and the financial system are not yet known. While the new regulations and central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (i.e., the risk that the interdependence
of large derivatives dealers could cause them to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that the new mechanisms will achieve that result.
Money Market Instruments. Money market instruments include U.S. Government obligations or corporate debt obligations (including those subject to repurchase
agreements). Money market instruments also may include banker’s acceptances and certificates of deposit of domestic branches of U.S. banks, commercial paper, and variable amount demand master notes (“Master Notes”). Banker’s acceptances are time
drafts drawn on and “accepted” by a bank. When a bank “accepts” such a time draft, it assumes liability for its payment. When an investment company acquires a banker’s acceptance, the bank that “accepted” the time draft is liable for payment of
interest and principal when due. The banker’s acceptance carries the full faith and credit of such bank. A certificate of deposit (“CD”) is an unsecured, interest bearing debt obligation of a bank. Commercial paper is an unsecured, short-term debt
obligation of a bank, corporation, or other borrower. Commercial paper maturity generally ranges from two to 270 days and is usually sold on a discounted basis rather than as an interest-bearing instrument. Master Notes are unsecured obligations
which are redeemable upon demand of the holder and which permit the investment of fluctuating amounts at varying rates of interest.
Foreign Investment Risk. Foreign securities and foreign currency contracts involve investment risks different from those associated with domestic
securities. Changes in foreign economies and political climates are more likely to affect the Fund s than a mutual fund that invests exclusively in domestic securities. The value of foreign currency denominated securities or foreign currency
contracts is affected by the value of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar. There may be less government supervision of foreign markets, resulting in non-uniform accounting practices and less publicly available information about issuers of
foreign currency denominated securities. The value of foreign investments may be affected by changes in exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), changes in governmental administration or economic or
monetary policy (in this country or abroad) or changed circumstances in dealings between nations. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions, custody fees, and other costs of investing in foreign securities are generally higher than in the United
States. Investments in foreign issues could be affected by other factors not present in the United States, including expropriation, armed conflict, confiscatory taxation, and potential difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations.
U.S. Government Securities. Closed-end funds owned by the Fund may invest in U.S. Government securities, defined to be (i) U.S.
Treasury notes, U.S. Treasury bonds, U.S. Treasury bills, and other U.S. Government obligations; (ii) obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) and other U.S. Government sponsored entities that are guaranteed by the U.S.
Government; and (iii) obligations of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Federal Farm Credit Bank (FFCB), Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB), Student
Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and other U.S. Government authorities, agencies, and instrumentalities. While obligations of some U.S. Government sponsored entities are supported by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. Government (e.g. GNMA), others are not. No assurance can be given that the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities in the future since it is not obligated to do so by law. The
guarantee of the U.S. Government does not extend to the yield or value of the Fund’s shares.
Borrowing. The Fund may borrow money for investment purposes, which is a form of leveraging. Leveraging investments, by purchasing securities with borrowed
money, is a speculative technique that increases investment risk while increasing investment opportunity. Such borrowing may make the Fund’s NAV more volatile than funds that do not borrow for investment purposes because leverage magnifies changes
in the Fund’s NAV and on the Fund’s investments. Although the principal of borrowings will be fixed, the Fund’s assets may change in value during the time the borrowing is outstanding. Leverage also creates interest expenses for the Fund. To the
extent the income derived from securities purchased with borrowed funds exceeds the interest the Fund will have to pay, the Fund’s net income will be greater than it would be if leverage were not used. Conversely, if the income from the assets
obtained with borrowed funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leveraging, the net income of the Fund will be less than it would be if leverage were not used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to shareholders as dividends will
be reduced. The use of derivatives in connection with leverage creates the potential for significant loss. Any leveraging will comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the SEC,
including Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979).
The Fund may also borrow money to meet redemptions or for other emergency purposes. Such borrowings may be on a secured or unsecured basis at fixed or variable rates of interest. The 1940 Act
requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings. If such asset coverage should decline to less than 300% due to market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be required to dispose of
some of its portfolio holdings within three days in order to reduce the Fund’s debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous from an investment standpoint to dispose of assets at that time. The Fund also may be
required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit. Either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.
Portfolio Turnover. Portfolio turnover is a ratio that indicates how often the securities in a mutual fund’s portfolio change during a year’s time. Higher
numbers indicate a greater number of changes, and lower numbers indicate a smaller number of changes. The Fund may sell portfolio securities without regard to the length of time they have been held in order to take advantage of new investment
opportunities or changing market conditions. Since portfolio turnover may involve paying brokerage commissions and other transaction costs, there could be additional expenses for the Fund. High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of
the Fund due to increased costs and may also result in the realization of capital gains. If the Fund realizes capital gains when they sell portfolio investments, they must generally distribute those gains to shareholders, increasing their taxable
distributions.
Temporary Defensive Positions. The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive
positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in an attempt to respond to adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions. During such an unusual set of circumstances, the Fund may hold up to 100% of its
portfolios in cash or cash equivalent positions (e.g., money market securities, U.S. Government securities, and/or similar securities). When the Fund takes a temporary defensive position, the Fund may not be able to achieve its investment
objective.
Information Regarding the Fund’s Non-Principal Strategies and Risks
Exchange Traded Funds. ETFs are traded on a securities exchange based on their market value. An investment in an ETF generally presents the same primary
risks as an investment in a conventional registered investment company (i.e., one that is not exchange traded). In addition, all ETFs will have costs and expenses that will be passed on to the Fund, which will in turn increase the Fund’s expenses.
ETFs are also subject to the following risks that often do not apply to conventional investment companies: (i) the market price of the ETF’s shares may trade at a discount to the ETF’s net asset value, and as a result, ETFs may experience more price
volatility than other types of portfolio investments and which could negatively impact the Fund’s net asset values; (ii) an active trading market for an ETF’s shares may not develop or be maintained at a sufficient volume; (iii) trading of an ETF’s
shares may be halted if the listing exchange deems such action appropriate; and (iv) ETF shares may be delisted from the exchange on which they trade, or “circuit breakers” (which are tied to large decreases in stock prices used by the exchange) may
temporarily halt trading in the ETF’s stock. ETFs are also subject to the risks of the underlying securities the ETF holds. Finally, there may be legal limitations and other conditions imposed by rules of the SEC on the amount of the ETF shares
that the Fund may acquire.
Equity Securities. The equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be comprised of common stocks traded on domestic securities exchanges or on the
over-the-counter market. In addition to common stocks, the equity portion of the Fund’s portfolio may also include preferred stocks, convertible preferred stocks, and convertible bonds. Prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests (either
directly or indirectly through the Fund’s investment in shares of other investment companies) may fluctuate in response to many factors, including, but not limited to, the activities of the individual companies whose securities the Fund owns, general
market and economic conditions, interest rates, and specific industry changes. Such price fluctuations subject the Fund to potential losses. In addition, regardless of any one company’s prospects, a declining stock market may produce a decline in
prices for all equity securities, which could also result in losses for the Fund. Market declines may continue for an indefinite period, and investors should understand that during temporary or extended bear markets, the value of equity securities
will decline.
Options. While the Fund does not intend to purchase and write put and call options on securities directly, it may indirectly hold such securities through
the holdings of the funds in which it invests. The purchase and writing of options involves certain risks. During the option period, a call writer that holds the underlying security has, in return for the premium on the option, given up the
opportunity to profit from a price increase in the underlying securities above the exercise price, but, as long as its obligation as a writer continues, has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of
an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot affect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its
obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying securities at the exercise price. If a put or call option purchased by a fund is not sold when it has remaining value, and if the market price of the underlying security, in the case of a
put, remains equal to or greater than the exercise price or, in the case of a call, remains less than or equal to the exercise price, a fund will lose its entire investment in the option. Also, where a put or call option on a particular security is
purchased to hedge against price movements in a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the related security. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when a fund seeks to close
out an option position. Furthermore, if trading restrictions or suspensions are imposed on the options market, a fund may be unable to close out a position.
To the extent that a fund invests in options, such fund will comply with the applicable requirements of the 1940 Act and the guidance of no-action letters issued by the SEC, including Investment
Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr. 18, 1979). A fund may write a call or put option only if the option is “covered” by holding a position in the underlying securities or by other means which would permit immediate satisfaction of a fund’s
obligation as writer of the option. A written call option creates a potential obligation to sell the underlying security. In order to make sure that this obligation can be met, a fund could (i) hold the security underlying the written option; (ii)
hold an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that is the same or lower than the strike price of the written option); or (iii) segregate cash and liquid securities (which can be cash, U.S. Government securities, and other liquid debt or
equity securities) that when added to collateral on deposit equals the market value of the underlying security. A written put option creates a potential obligation to buy the underlying security. In order to make sure that this obligation can be met,
a fund could (i) sell short the underlying security at the same or higher price than the strike price of the written put option; (ii) hold an offsetting put option (one with a strike price that is the same or higher than the strike price of the
written option); or (iii) segregate cash and liquid securities that when added to collateral on deposit equals the strike price of the option.
Futures Contracts. While the F und does not intend to invest in futures directly, it may indirectly hold futures through the holdings of the funds
in which it invests. A futures contract is a bilateral agreement to buy or sell a security (or deliver a cash settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise not calling for
physical delivery at the end of trading in the contracts) for a set price in the future. Futures contracts are designated by boards of trade that have been designated “contracts markets” by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). No
purchase price is paid or received when the contract is entered into. Instead, a fund, upon entering into a futures contract (and to maintain a fund’s open positions in futures contracts), would be required to deposit with its custodian in a
segregated account in the name of the futures broker an amount of cash, U.S. Government securities, suitable money market instruments, or liquid, high-grade debt securities, known as “initial margin.” The margin required for a particular futures
contract is set by the exchange on which the contract is traded and may be significantly modified from time to time by the exchange during the term of the contract. Futures contracts are customarily purchased and sold on margin that may range upward
from less than 5% of the value of the contract being traded. By using futures contracts as a risk management technique, given the greater liquidity in the futures market than in the cash market, it may be possible to accomplish certain results more
quickly and with lower transaction costs.
If the price of an open futures contract changes (by increase in the case of a sale or by decrease in the case of a purchase) such that the loss on the futures contract reaches a point at which the
margin on deposit does not satisfy margin requirements, the broker will require an increase in the margin. However, if the value of a position increases because of favorable price changes in the futures contract such that the margin deposit exceeds
the required margin, the broker will pay the excess to a fund. These subsequent payments, called “variation margin,” to and from the futures broker, are made on a daily basis as the price of the underlying assets fluctuates, making the long and short
positions in the futures contract more or less valuable, a process known as “marking to the market.” A fund is expected to earn interest income on initial and variation margin deposits.
A fund will incur brokerage fees when it purchases and sells futures contracts. Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held until delivery or cash settlement is required but are
instead liquidated through offsetting transactions that may result in a gain or a loss. While futures positions taken by a fund will usually be liquidated in this manner, a fund may instead make or take delivery of underlying securities whenever it
appears economically advantageous for a fund to do so. A clearing organization associated with the exchange on which futures are traded assumes responsibility for closing out transactions and guarantees that as between the clearing members of an
exchange, the sale and purchase obligations will be performed with regard to all positions that remain open at the termination of the contract.
In addition to the margin restrictions discussed above, transactions in futures contracts may involve the segregation of Funds pursuant to requirements imposed by the SEC. Under those requirements,
where a fund has a long position in a futures contract, it may be required to establish a segregated account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) containing cash or certain liquid assets equal to the purchase price of the contract (less
any margin on deposit). However, segregation of assets is not required if a fund “covers” a long position. For a short position in futures or forward contracts held by a fund, those requirements may mandate the establishment of a segregated account
(not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or certain liquid assets that, when added to the amounts deposited as margin, equal the market value of the instruments underlying the futures contracts (but are not less than the price at
which the short positions were established).
Short Sales. While the Fund does not intend to engage in short sales directly, the funds in which it invests may engage in short sales. A short sale is a
transaction in which a party sells a security it does not own or have the right to acquire (or that it owns but does not wish to deliver) in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When a party makes a short sale, the
broker-dealer through which the short sale is made must borrow the security sold short and deliver it to the party purchasing the security. The party is required to make a margin deposit in connection with such short sales; the party may have to pay
a fee to borrow particular securities and will often be obligated to pay over any dividends and accrued interest on borrowed securities.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the party covers the short position, the party will incur a loss; conversely, if the price
declines, the party will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described above. The successful use of short selling may be adversely affected by imperfect correlation between movements
in the price of the security sold short and the securities being hedged.
If a party does sell “short”, the party will comply with current guidance from the staff of the SEC regarding asset coverage requirements, including Investment Company Act Release No. 10666 (Apr.
18, 1979). In particular, the party will take measures to ensure its obligation to purchase the security in the future will be met, including (i) holding the security sold short; (ii) holding an offsetting call option (one with a strike price that
is the same or lower than the price at which the security was sold short); or (iii) segregating liquid assets (which can be cash, U.S. Government securities, and other liquid debt or equity securities) on the party’s books or in a segregated account
at the party’s custodian in an amount sufficient to cover the current value of the securities to be replaced as well as any dividends, interest, and transaction costs due to the broker-dealer lender. In determining the amount to be segregated, any
securities that have been sold short by the party will be marked to market daily. To the extent the market price of the securities sold short increases and more assets are required to meet the party’s short sale obligations, additional assets will
be segregated to ensure adequate coverage of the party’s short position obligations. If the party does not have the assets to cover a short sale, then the party’s potential losses on the short will be unlimited because the security’s price may
appreciate indefinitely.
Swaps. While the F und does not intend to invest in swaps directly, it may indirectly hold swaps through the holdings of the funds in which it
invests. Swaps may include currency, equity, interest rate, index and other swaps, which involve the exchange by an investor with another party of their respective commitments, in an attempt to obtain a particular return when it is considered
desirable to do so, possibly at a lower cost than if a fund had invested directly in the asset that yielded the desired return. In the case of interest rate swaps, an investor may exchange with another party their respective commitments to pay or
receive interest, such as an exchange of fixed rate payments for floating rate payments. Use of swaps subjects the investor to risk of default by the counterparties. If there is a default by the counterparty to such a transaction, there may be
contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction although contractual remedies may not be sufficient in the event that the counterparty to the transaction is insolvent. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years
with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar
instruments which are traded in the interbank market. An investor may also enter into currency swaps or other swaps which are similar to interest rate swaps but may be surrogates for other instruments such as currency forwards or options.
Forward Commitment and When-Issued Securities. While the Fund does not intend to purchase securities on a when-issued basis for settlement at a future date
directly, it may indirectly engage in such transactions through the holdings of the funds in which it invests. A F und may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or for settlement at a future date if a fund holds sufficient assets to meet
the purchase price. In such purchase transactions, a F und will not accrue interest on the purchased security until the actual settlement. Similarly, if a security is sold for a forward date, a fund will accrue the interest until the
settlement of the sale. When-issued security purchases and forward commitments have a higher degree of risk of price movement before settlement due to the extended time period between the execution and settlement of the purchase or sale. As a
result, the exposure to the counterparty of the purchase or sale is increased. Although a F und would generally purchase securities on a forward commitment or when-issued basis with the intention of taking delivery, a F und may sell
such a security prior to the settlement date if the Advisor feels such action is appropriate. In such a case, a fund could incur a short-term gain or loss.
Liquidity Impact of Margin and Segregation Requirements. Although the Fund will segregate cash and liquid assets in an amount sufficient to cover its open
obligations with respect to written options, short sales, and other derivative instruments as applicable, the segregated assets will be available to the Fund immediately upon closing out the positions, while settlement of securities transactions
could take several days. However, because the Fund’s cash that may otherwise be invested would be held uninvested or invested in other liquid assets so long as the position remains open, the Fund’s return could be diminished due to the opportunity
losses of foregoing other potential investments.
Repurchase Agreements. While the Fund does not intend to enter into repurchase agreements directly, it may indirectly engage in such transactions through
the holdings of the funds in which it invests. A repurchase transaction occurs when an investor purchases a security (normally a U.S. Treasury obligation), and it then resells it to the vendor (normally a member bank of the Federal Reserve or a
registered government securities dealer) and is required to deliver the security (and/or securities substituted for them under the repurchase agreement) to the vendor on an agreed upon date in the future. The repurchase price exceeds the purchase
price by an amount which reflects an agreed upon market interest rate effective for the period of time during which the repurchase agreement is in effect. Delivery pursuant to the resale normally will occur within one to seven days of the purchase.
Repurchase agreements are considered “loans” under the 1940 Act, collateralized by the underlying security. The Trust has implemented procedures to monitor on a continuous basis the value of the collateral serving as security for repurchase
obligations. The Advisor will consider the creditworthiness of the vendor. If the vendor fails to pay the agreed upon resale price on the delivery date, a fund will retain or attempt to dispose of the collateral. A fund’s risk is that such default
may include any decline in value of the collateral to an amount which is less than 100% of the repurchase price, any costs of disposing of such collateral, and any loss resulting from any delay in foreclosing on the collateral. Repurchase agreements
that do not provide for payment within seven days will be treated as illiquid securities.
Illiquid Investments. The Fund may invest up to 15% of net assets in illiquid securities, which are investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in the
ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the prices at which they are valued. This restriction is not limited to the time of purchase. Under the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust (the “Board” or “Trustees”),
the Advisor determines the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, and through reports from the Advisor, the Trustees monitor investments in illiquid instruments. In determining the liquidity of the Fund’s investments, the Advisor may consider various
factors including (i) the frequency of trades and quotations; (ii) the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace; (iii) dealer undertakings to make a market; (iv) the nature of the security (including any demand or tender
features); and (v) the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset the Fund’s rights and obligations relating to the investment). If through a change in values, net assets, or other circumstances, the Fund was in a
position where more than 15% of its net assets were invested in illiquid securities, it would seek to take appropriate steps to protect liquidity. Investment in illiquid securities poses risks of potential delays in resale and uncertainty in
valuation. Limitations on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of portfolio securities and the Fund may be unable to dispose of illiquid securities promptly or at reasonable prices.
Restricted Securities. Within its limitation on investment in illiquid securities, the Fund may purchase restricted securities that generally can be sold in
privately negotiated transactions, pursuant to an exemption from registration under the federal securities laws, or in a registered public offering. Where registration is required, the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration
expense and a considerable period may elapse between the time it decides to seek registration and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If during such a period adverse market conditions were
to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to seek registration of the security. Restricted securities that can be offered and sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
of 1933 and are determined to be liquid under guidelines adopted by and subject to the supervision of the Trustees are not subject to the limitations on illiquid securities.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. In order to generate additional income, the Fund may lend portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total f und
assets to broker-dealers, major banks, or other recognized domestic institutional borrowers of securities which the Advisor has determined are creditworthy under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. In determining whether the Fund will
lend securities, the Advisor will consider all relevant facts and circumstances. The Fund may not lend securities to any company affiliated with the Advisor. Each loan of securities will be collateralized by cash, U.S. Government securities, or
standby letters of credit not issued by the Fund’s bank lending agent. The Fund might experience a loss if the borrower defaults on the loan.
The borrower at all times during the loan must maintain with the Fund cash or cash equivalent collateral. While the loan is outstanding, the borrower will pay the Fund any interest paid on the
loaned securities, and the Fund may invest the cash collateral to earn additional income. Alternatively, the Fund may receive an agreed-upon amount of interest income from the borrower who has delivered equivalent collateral. It is anticipated that
the Fund may share with the borrower some of the income received on the collateral for the loan or the Fund will be paid a premium for the loan. Voting rights for loaned securities will typically pass to the borrower, but the Fund will retain the
right to call any security in anticipation of a vote that the Advisor deems material to the security on loan. Loans are subject to termination at the option of the Fund or the borrower at any time. The Fund may pay reasonable administrative and
custodial fees in connection with a loan and may pay a negotiated portion of the income earned on the cash to the borrower or placing broker. As with other extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially.
Securities lending involves counterparty risk, including the risk that the loaned securities may not be returned or returned in a timely manner and/or a loss of rights in the collateral if the
borrower or the lending agent defaults or fails financially. This risk will be increased if a continuation of the current downturn in the economic conditions in the United States and around the world, particularly the recent failures of several major
financial services firms, causes further declines in the securities markets and/or causes further financial instability in the borrowers or lending agents. This risk is increased when the Fund’s loans are concentrated with a single or limited number
of borrowers. There are no limits on the number of borrowers the Fund may use, and the Fund may lend securities to only one or a small group of borrowers. Mutual funds participating in securities lending bear the risk of loss in connection with
investments of the cash collateral received from the borrowers, which do not trigger additional collateral requirements from the borrower.
INVESTMENT LIMITATIONS
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following investment restrictions have been adopted by the Board with respect to the Fund. Except as otherwise stated, these investment
restrictions are fundamental policies, which cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. A vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund is defined in the 1940 Act as the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the voting securities present at a shareholder meeting if the holder or more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present
or represented by proxy ; or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund .
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
(1)
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Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the 1940 Act;
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(2)
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Borrow money, except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act (including, without limitation, borrowing to meet redemptions). For purposes of this investment restriction, the entry into options, forward
contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices shall not constitute borrowing;
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(3)
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Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to the extent necessary to secure permitted borrowings and to the extent related to the deposit of assets in escrow in connection with writing covered put
and call options and the purchase of securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis and collateral and initial or variation margin arrangements with respect to options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating
to indices, and options on futures contracts or indices;
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(4)
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Act as an underwriter except to the extent that, in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter under certain federal securities laws;
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(5)
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Purchase or sell real estate or direct interests in real estate; provided, however, that the Fund may purchase and sell securities which are secured by real estate and securities of companies that invest or
deal in real estate (including, without limitation, investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”), mortgage-backed securities, and privately-held real estate funds);
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(6)
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Invest in commodities, except that the Fund may purchase and sell securities of companies that invest in commodities, options, forward contracts, futures contracts, including those relating to indices and
currencies, and options on futures contracts, indices or currencies;
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(7)
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Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or management over a portfolio company;
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(8)
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Make loans, provided that the Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33% of total f und assets, and provided further that, for purposes of this restriction, investment in U.S.
Government obligations, short-term commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and bankers’ acceptances;
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(9)
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Concentrate its investments. The Fund’s concentration policy limits the aggregate value of holdings of a single industry or group of industries (except U.S. Government and cash items) to less than 25% of the
Fund’s total assets; or
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(10)
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With respect to 75% of its total assets: (i) purchase 10% or more of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer; or (ii) purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, 5% or more of the Fund’s
total assets would be invested in that issuer’s securities. This limitation does not apply to investments in (i) cash and cash items; (ii) securities of other registered investment companies; and (iii) obligations of the United States
Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities.
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Senior securities may include any obligation or instrument issued by a fund evidencing indebtedness. The 1940 Act generally prohibits funds from issuing senior securities, although it does not
treat certain transactions as senior securities (“Permitted Senior Securities”), such as certain borrowings, short sales, firm commitment agreements, and standby commitments, with appropriate earmarking or segregation of assets to cover such
obligations.
The Fund is allowed to pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate assets up to the amounts allowable under the 1940 Act, which presently allows the Fund to borrow from any bank (including pledging,
mortgaging or hypothecating assets) in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets (not including temporary borrowings not in excess of 5% of its total assets).
For purposes of the Fund’s concentration policy, if the Fund invests in one or more investment companies, the Fund will examine the holdings of such investment companies to ensure that the Fund is
not indirectly concentrating its investments in a particular industry. In determining the exposure of the Fund to a particular industry for purposes of the fundamental investment restriction on concentration, the Fund currently uses Standard &
Poor’s Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) in order to classify industries.
With respect to the fundamental investment restrictions above (other than those involving Permitted Senior Securities and borrowings), if a percentage limitation is adhered to at the time of
investment, a later increase or decrease in percentage resulting from any change in value or net assets will not result in a violation of such restriction (i.e., percentage limitations are determined at the time of purchase).
The Fund principally invests in unaffiliated closed-end investment companies. Neither the Fund nor the Advisor will have control or influence over the activities of such investment companies.
While other investment companies are subject to certain constraints of the 1940 Act, the investment limitations of the other investment companies in which the Fund invests, with the exception of policies on concentration, may differ from those of
the Fund.
Non-Fundamental Policies. The following investment policies are not fundamental and may be changed without shareholder approval.
The Fund has adopted a non-fundamental investment policy in accordance with Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act to invest, under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the value of
its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in discounted closed-end funds.
The Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in securities for which there are legal or contractual restrictions on resale or other illiquid securities.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Subject to the policies established by the Board , the Advisor makes decisions with respect to, and places orders for all purchases and sales of portfolio securities for the Fund. The
Advisor shall manage the Fund’s portfolios in accordance with the terms of the investment advisory agreement by and between the Advisor and the Trust on behalf of the Fund (“Advisory Agreement”), which is described in detail under “Management and
Other Service Providers – Investment Advisor.” The Advisor serves as investment advisor for a number of client accounts, including the Fund. Investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for any other series of the Trust, if
any, and for any other investment companies and accounts advised or managed by the Advisor.
Brokerage Selection. The Board has adopted policies and procedures relating to the direction of mutual fund portfolio securities transactions to
broker-dealers. The Advisor may not give consideration to sales of shares of the Fund as a factor in selecting broker-dealers to execute portfolio securities transactions. The Advisor may, however, place portfolio transactions with broker-dealers
that promote or sell the Fund’s shares so long as such transactions are done in accordance with the policies and procedures established by the Trustees that are designed to ensure that the selection is based on the quality of the broker’s execution
and not on its sales efforts. In selecting brokers to be used in portfolio transactions, the Advisor’s general guiding principle is to obtain the best overall execution for each trade, which is a combination of price and execution. With respect to
execution, the Advisor considers a number of discretionary factors, including, without limitation, the actual handling of the order, the ability of the broker to settle the trade promptly and accurately, the financial standing of the broker, the
ability of the broker to position stock to facilitate execution, the Advisor’s past experience with similar trades, and other factors that may be unique to a particular order. Recognizing the value of these discretionary factors, the Advisor may
select brokers who charge a brokerage commission that is higher than the lowest commission that might otherwise be available for any given trade.
Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is authorized to pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might have
charged for effecting the same transaction, in recognition of the value of brokerage and/or research services provided by the broker. The research received by the Advisor may include, without limitation: information on the United States and other
world economies; information on specific industries, groups of securities, individual companies, and political and other relevant news developments affecting markets and specific securities; technical and quantitative information about markets;
analysis of proxy proposals affecting specific companies; accounting and performance systems that allow the Advisor to determine and track investment results; and trading systems that allow the Advisor to interface electronically with brokerage
firms, custodians, and other providers. Research is received in the form of written reports, telephone contacts, personal meetings, research seminars, software programs, and access to computer databases. In some instances, research products or
services received by the Advisor may also be used by the Advisor for functions that are not research related (i.e. not related to the making of investment decisions). Where a research product or service has a mixed use, the Advisor will make a
reasonable allocation according to the use and will pay for the non-research function in cash using its own funds.
The research and investment information services described above make available to the Advisor for its analysis and consideration the views and information of individuals and research staffs of
other securities firms. These services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with advisory clients other than the Fund and not all such services may be useful to the Advisor in connection with the Fund. Although such information may be a useful
supplement to the Advisor’s own investment information in rendering services to the Fund, the value of such research and services is not expected to reduce materially the expenses of the Advisor in the performance of its services under the Advisory
Agreement and will not reduce the management fees payable to the Advisor by the Fund.
The Fund may invest in securities traded in the over-the-counter market. In these cases, the Fund may initiate trades through brokers on an agency basis and pay a commission in connection with the
transaction. The Fund may also effect these transactions by dealing directly with the dealers who make a market in the securities involved, in which case the costs of such transactions would involve dealer spreads rather than brokerage commissions.
With respect to securities traded only in the over-the-counter market, orders will be executed on a principal basis with primary market makers in such securities except where better prices or executions may be obtained on an agency basis or by
dealing with those other than a primary market maker.
The Fund’s fixed income portfolio transactions may be executed through broker-dealers on an agency basis or be principal transactions executed in over the counter markets on a “net” basis, which
may include a dealer mark up. Where possible, the Advisor will deal directly with the broker-dealers who make a market in the securities involved except in those circumstances where better prices and execution are available elsewhere. Such
broker-dealers usually act as principal for their own account.
The Fund may participate, if and when practicable, in bidding for the purchase of f und securities directly from an issuer in order to take advantage of the lower purchase price available to
members of a bidding group. The Fund will engage in this practice, however, only when the Advisor, in its sole discretion, believes such practice to be otherwise in the Fund’s interest.
The following shows the aggregate amount of broker commissions paid by the Fund during the three most recent fiscal years, as applicable.
Fund
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2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
$278,513
|
$90,395
|
$134,831
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The increase in brokerage commission for the Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, from the prior fiscal year was due to an increase in trading volume due to a substantial increase in
net assets.
Aggregated Trades. While investment decisions for the Fund are made independently of the Advisor’s other client accounts, the Advisor’s other client
accounts may invest in the same securities as the Fund. To the extent permitted by law, the Advisor may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to be sold or purchased for other investment companies or accounts in
executing transactions. When a purchase or sale of the same security is made at substantially the same time on behalf of the Fund and another investment company or account, the transaction will be averaged as to price and available investments
allocated as to amount in a manner which the Advisor believes to be equitable to the Fund and such other investment company or account. In some instances, this investment procedure may adversely affect the price paid or received by the Fund or the
size of the position obtained or sold by the Fund.
Portfolio Turnover. The annualized portfolio turnover rate for the Fund is calculated by dividing the lesser of purchases or sales of portfolio securities
for the fiscal year by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities owned during the fiscal year . The calculation excludes all securities whose maturities or expiration dates at the time of acquisition are one year or less.
Portfolio turnover of the Fund may vary greatly from year to year as well as within a particular year and may be affected by cash requirements for redemption of shares and by requirements that enable the Fund to receive favorable tax treatment.
Portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor in making f und decisions, and the Fund may engage in short-term trading to achieve its investment objectives. High rates of portfolio turnover could lower performance of the Fund due to
increased transaction costs and may also result in the realization of short-term capital gains taxed at ordinary income tax rates.
The portfolio turnover rate for the Fund over the last two years, ended March 31, is set forth below.
Fund
|
2020
|
2019
|
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
101.38%
|
55.00%
|
The portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020 increased from the prior fiscal year primarily due to an increase in trading volume during March 2020 due to a substantial increase in net assets.
DESCRIPTION OF THE TRUST
The Trust, which is a statutory trust organized under Delaware law on May 13, 2009, is an open-end management investment company. The Trust’s Declaration of Trust (“Trust Instrument”) authorizes
the Trustees to divide shares into series, each series relating to a separate portfolio of investments, and to classify and reclassify any unissued shares into one or more classes of shares of each such series. The Trust currently consists of 1 4
series. Additional series and/or classes may be created from time to time. The number of shares in each series of the Trust shall be unlimited. When issued for payment as described in the Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI, shares of the Fund will be
fully paid and non-assessable and shall have no preemptive or conversion rights. The Trust does not issue share certificates.
In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Trust or an individual series, such as the Fund, shareholders of a particular series would be entitled to receive the assets available for
distribution belonging to such series. Shareholders of a series are entitled to participate equally in the net distributable assets of the particular series involved on liquidation, based on the number of shares of the series that are held by each
shareholder. If there are any assets, income, earnings, proceeds, funds, or payments that are not readily identifiable as belonging to any particular series, the Trustees shall allocate them among any one or more of the series as they, in their sole
discretion, deem fair and equitable.
Shareholders of all of the series of the Trust, including the Fund, will vote together and not separately on a series-by-series or class-by-class basis, except as otherwise required by law or when
the Trustees determine that the matter to be voted upon affects only the interests of the shareholders of a particular series or class. The Trust has adopted a Rule 18f-3 Multi-class Plan for certain series that contain the general characteristics
of and conditions under which such series may offer multiple classes of shares. Rule 18f-2 under the 1940 Act provides that any matter required to be submitted to the holders of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company such as the
Trust shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares affected by the matter. A series or class is affected by a matter unless it is clear that the interests of each
series or class in the matter are substantially identical or that the matter does not affect any interest of the series or class. Under Rule 18f-2, the approval of an investment advisory agreement or any change in a fundamental investment policy
would be effectively acted upon with respect to a series only if approved by a majority of the outstanding shares of such series. However, the rule also provides that the ratification of the appointment of independent accountants, the approval of
principal underwriting contracts, and the election of Trustees may be effectively acted upon by shareholders of the Trust voting together, without regard to a particular series or class. Rights of shareholders can only be modified by a majority
vote.
When used in the Prospectus or this SAI, a “majority” of shareholders means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class present at a meeting if
the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present in person or by proxy or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Trust or the applicable series or class.
Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each full share and a fractional vote for each fractional share held. Shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means that the holders of more than
50% of the shares voting for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees, and in this event, the holders of the remaining shares voting will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Trustees will hold office indefinitely, except that: (i) any Trustee may resign or retire, and (ii) any Trustee may be removed: (a) any time by written instrument signed by at least two-thirds
of the number of Trustees prior to such removal; (b) at any meeting of shareholders of the Trust by a vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Trust; or (c) by a written declaration signed by shareholders holding not less than two-thirds
of the outstanding shares of the Trust. In case a vacancy on the Board of Trustees shall for any reason exist, the vacancy shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Trustees, subject to certain restrictions under the
1940 Act. Otherwise, there will normally be no meeting of shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, and the Trust does not expect to have an annual meeting of shareholders.
The Trust Instrument provides that the Trustees will not be liable in any event in connection with the affairs of the Trust, except as such liability may arise from a Trustee’s bad faith, willful
misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of duties. It also provides that all third parties shall look solely to the Trust’s property for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. With the exceptions
stated, the Trust Instrument provides that a Trustee or officer is entitled to be indemnified against all liability in connection with the affairs of the Trust.
MANAGEMENT AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
The Trust is governed by the Board, which is responsible for the management and supervision of the Fund. The Trustees meet periodically throughout the year to review contractual
arrangements with companies furnish services to the Fund; review performance of the Advisor and the Fund; and oversee activities of the Fund. This section of the SAI provides information about the persons who serve as Trustees and officers to
the Trust as well as the entities that provide services to the Fund.
Trustees and Officers. Following are the Trustees and officers of the Trust, their age and address, their present position with the Trust or the Fund, and their principal
occupation during the past five years. The Trustees in the following table who are not “interested” persons of the Trust within the meaning of the 1940 Act (“Independent Trustees”) are indicated as such. The address of each Trustee and officer of the
Trust, unless otherwise indicated, is 116 South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804.
Name and
Date of Birth
|
Position
held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of Time
Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Number of
Portfolios
in Fund
Complex
Overseen
by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
|
Independent Trustees
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
(06/1953)
|
Independent Trustee, Chairman
|
Trustee since 7/09, Chair since 5/12
|
Previously President and CEO of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company (insurance company) from 2003 to 2015.
|
14
|
Independent Trustee of the Brown Capital Management Mutual Funds for all its series from 2011 to present, Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for all its series from 2009 to
present, Centaur Mutual Funds Trust for all its series from 2013 to present, Chesapeake Investment Trust for all its series from 2016 to present, Leeward Investment Trust for all its series from 2018 to present, and WST Investment Trust
for all its series (all registered investment companies) from 2013 to present. Member of Board of Directors of Communities in Schools of N.C. from 2001 to present. Member of Board of Directors of Investors Title Company from 2010 to
present. Member of Board of Directors of AAA Carolinas from 2011 to present. Previously, member of Board of Directors of M&F Bancorp Mechanics & Farmers Bank from 2009 to 2019. Previously, member of Board of Visitors of North
Carolina Central University School of Business from 1990 to 2016. Previously, Board of Directors of NC Mutual Life Insurance Company from 2004 to 2016. Previously, President and CEO of North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company from
2003 to 2015.
|
Name and
Date of Birth
|
Position
held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of Time Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee
|
Other Directorships
Held by Trustee
During Past 5 Years
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
(04/1936)
|
Independent Trustee
|
Since 9/10
|
Senior Partner, Community Financial Institutions Consulting (financial consulting) since 1999.
|
14
|
Independent Trustee of World Funds Trust for all its series from 2013 to present, Chesapeake Investment Trust for all its series from 2002 to present, Leeward Investment Trust for all its
series from 2011 to present, and Hillman Capital Management Investment Trust for all its series from 2000 to present (all registered investment companies). Senior Partner of Community Financial Institutions Consulting from 1997 to present.
Previously, Partner at Pikar Properties from 2001 to 2017.
|
Michael G. Mosley
(01/1953)
|
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/10
|
Owner of Commercial Realty Services (real estate) since 2004.
|
14
|
None.
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
(03/1960)
|
Independent Trustee
|
Since 7/09
|
President of Standard Insurance and Realty since 1982.
|
14
|
None.
|
Name and
Date of Birth
|
Position held with
Funds or Trust
|
Length
of Time Served
|
Principal Occupation
During Past 5 Years
|
Officers
|
Katherine M. Honey
(09/1973)
|
President and Principal Executive Officer
|
Since 05/15
|
President of The Nottingham Company since 2018 ; EVP of The Nottingham Company from 2008 to 2018 .
|
Ashley H. Lanham
(03/1984)
|
Treasurer, Assistant Secretary and Principal Financial Officer
|
Since 05/15
|
Director of Fund Administration, The Nottingham Company since 2008.
|
Tracie A. Coop
(12/1976)
|
Secretary
|
Since 12/19
|
General Counsel, The Nottingham Company since 2019. Formerly, Vice President and Managing Counsel, State Street Bank and Trust Company from 2015 to 2019. Formerly, General Counsel for
Santander Asset Management USA, LLC from 2013 to 2015.
|
Matthew Baskir
(07/1979)
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
Since 04/20
|
Compliance Director, The Nottingham Company, Inc., since 2020. Formerly, Consultant at National Regulatory Services from 2019 to 2020. Formerly, Counsel at Financial Industry Regulatory
Authority (FINRA), Member Supervision from 2016-2019. Formerly Counsel at FINRA, Market Regulation Enforcement from 2014 – 2016.
|
Qualification of Trustees. The Board believes that each Trustee’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills on an individual basis and in
combination with those of the other Trustees on the Board lead to the conclusion that the Board possesses the requisite skills and attributes to carry out its oversight responsibilities with respect to the Trust. The Board believes that its
Trustees’ ability to review, critically evaluate, question, and discuss information provided to them, to interact effectively with the Advisor, other service providers, counsel and independent auditors, and to exercise effective business judgment
in the performance of its duties, support this conclusion. The Board also has considered the following experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills, among others, of its members, as applicable, in reaching its conclusion: (i) such person’s
business and professional experience and accomplishments, including prior experience in the financial services and investment management fields or on other boards; (ii) such person’s ability to work effectively with the other members of the Board;
(iii) how the individual’s skills, experiences, and attributes would contribute to an appropriate mix of relevant skills and experience on the Board; (iv) such person’s character and integrity; (v) such person’s willingness to serve and willingness
and ability to commit the time necessary to perform the duties of a Trustee; and (vi) as to each Trustee his status as an Independent Trustee.
In addition, the following specific experience, qualifications, attributes and/or skills were considered in respect of the listed Trustee.
Mr. Mosley has had business experience as an owner of a real estate company. Mr. Pitt has experience as an investor, including his role as trustee of several other investment companies and
business experience as senior partner of a financial consulting company, as a partner of a real estate partnership and as an account administrator for a money management firm. Mr. Speed also has experience as an investor as trustee of several other
investment companies and business experience as president and chief executive officer of an insurance company and as president of a company in the business of consulting and private investing. Mr. Strandberg also has investment experience as a
former trustee of another investment company and business experience as president of an insurance and property management company.
The Board has determined that each of the Trustees’ careers and background, combined with their interpersonal skills and general understanding of financial and other matters, enable the Trustees
to effectively participate in and contribute to the Board’s functions and oversight of the Trust. References to the qualifications, attributes, and skills of Trustees are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out the Board
or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any greater responsibility on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Board Structure. The Board currently consists of four Trustees , all of whom are Independent . Mr. Speed, Jr., serves as the Independent
Chairman of the Board. The Board has established several standing committees: Audit Committee, Nominating Committee, Fair Valuation Committee, Governance Committee, and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. These standing committees are comprised
entirely of the Independent Trustees. Other information about these standing committees is set forth below. The Board has determined that the Board’s structure is appropriate given the characteristics, size, and operations of the Trust. The Board
also believes that its leadership structure, including its committees, helps facilitate effective oversight of Trust management. The Board reviews its structure annually.
With respect to risk oversight, the Board considers risk management issues as part of its general oversight responsibilities throughout the year. The Board holds four regular board meetings each
year during which the Board receives risk management reports and/or assessments from Trust management, the Fund’s advisor, administrator, transfer agent, and distributor, and receives an annual report from the Trust’s Chief Compliance Officer
(“CCO”). The Audit Committee also meets with the Trust’s independent registered public accounting firm on an annual basis, to discuss among other things, the internal control structure of the Trust’s financial reporting function. When appropriate,
the Board may hold special meeting or communicate directly with Trust management, the CCO, the Trust’s third-party service providers, legal counsel, or independent public accountants to address matters arising between regular board meeting or needing
special attention. In addition, the Board has adopted policies and procedures for the Trust to help detect and prevent and, if necessary, correct violations of federal securities laws.
The Board met ten times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020.
Trustee Standing Committees. The Trustees have established the following standing committees:
Audit Committee. All of the Independent Trustees are members of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee oversees the Fund’s accounting and financial reporting policies and practices,
reviews the results of the annual audits of the Fund’s financial statements, and interacts with the Fund’s independent auditors on behalf of all the Trustees. The Audit Committee met eight times during the fiscal year ended March 31, 20 20 .
Fair Valuation Committee. An Independent Trustee and a representative of the advisor are members of the Fair Valuation Committee. The Fair Valuation Committee has the authority to determine
the fair value of specific securities under the methods established by the adopted Guidelines for Valuing Portfolio Securities. The Fair Valuation Committee meets only as necessary. The Fair Valuation Committee met five times during the
fiscal year ended March 31, 20 20 .
Governance Committee. The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee assists the Board in adopting fund governance practices and
meeting certain fund governance standards. The Governance Committee operates pursuant to a Governance Committee Charter and normally meets annually but may also meet as often as necessary to carry out its purpose. The Governance Committee met twice
during the fiscal year ended March 31, 20 20 .
Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. The Independent Trustees are the current members of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee receives,
investigates, and makes recommendations as to appropriate remedial action in connection with any report of evidence of a material violation of securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers, Trustees, or
agents. The Qualified Legal Compliance Committee meets only as necessary and did not meet during the fiscal year ended March 31, 20 20 .
Beneficial Equity Ownership Information. The table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2019, the dollar range of equity securities beneficially
owned by each Trustee in the Fund , and the aggregate dollar range of equity securities in the Family of Investment Companies.
A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; and E = over $100,000.
Name of
Trustee
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity
Securities in All Registered Investment
Companies Overseen by Trustee in Family
of
Investment Companies
|
Michael G. Mosley
|
A
|
A
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
A
|
A
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
A
|
A
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
A
|
A
|
Ownership of Securities of Advisor, Distributor, or Related Entities. As of December 31, 201 9 , none of the Independent Trustees and/or their immediate family members own securities of the Advisor,
Capital Investment Group, Inc. (the “Distributor”), or any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the Advisor or Distributor.
Compensation. Officers of the Trust and Trustees who are interested persons of the Trust or the Advisor will receive no salary or fees from the Trust.
Independent Trustees receive $2,000 per series of the Trust each year, and they may receive up to an additional $200 per meeting attended and $500 per series of the Trust per special meeting related to contract renewal issues . This
amount may be paid pro rata in the event that a series closes during the fiscal year. The Trust reimburses each Trustee and officers of the Trust for his or her travel and other expenses relating to attendance at such meetings. Prior to April 1,
2020, the Independent Trustees received $2,000 per series of the Trust each year, and they received up to an additional $500 per series of the Trust per special meeting in the event that special meetings were held. Each of the Trustees serves as a
Trustee to all series of the Trust, including the Fund. During the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the Trustees received the amounts set forth in the following table for services to the Fund and the Fund Complex.
Name of Trustee
|
Aggregate
Compensation from
the Fund
|
Pension or
Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of
Fund Expenses
|
Estimated Annual
Benefits Upon
Retirement
|
Total Compensation
from Fund and
Fund Complex Paid
to Trustees
|
Michael G. Mosley
|
$ 3,000
|
None
|
None
|
$ 38,500
|
Theo H. Pitt, Jr.
|
$ 3,000
|
None
|
None
|
$ 38,500
|
James H. Speed, Jr.
|
$ 3,000
|
None
|
None
|
$ 38,500
|
J. Buckley Strandberg
|
$ 3,000
|
None
|
None
|
$ 38,500
|
Codes of Ethics. The Trust, Advisor, and Distributor each have adopted a code of ethics, as required under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act, which is designed to prevent affiliated persons of the Trust, Advisor, and
Distributor from engaging in deceptive, manipulative, or fraudulent activities in connection with securities held or to be acquired by the Fund (which securities may also be held by persons subject to each such code of ethics). There can be no
assurance that the codes will be effective in preventing such activities. The codes permit employees and officers of the Trust, Advisor, and Distributor to invest in securities held by the Fund, subject to certain restrictions and pre-approval
requirements. In addition, the Advisor’s code requires that portfolio managers and other investment personnel of the Advisor report their personal securities transactions and holdings, which are reviewed for compliance with the Trust’s and Advisor’s
codes of ethics.
Anti-Money Laundering Program. The Trust has adopted an anti-money laundering program, as required by applicable law, which is designed to prevent the Fund
from being used for money laundering or the financing of terrorist activities. The Trust’s CCO is responsible for implementing and monitoring the operations and internal controls of the program. Compliance officers at certain of the Fund’s service
providers are also responsible for monitoring the program. The anti-money laundering program is subject to the continuing oversight of the Trustees.
Proxy Voting Policies. The Trust has adopted a proxy voting and disclosure policy that delegates to the Advisor the authority to vote proxies for the Fund,
subject to oversight by the Board . A copy of the Advisor’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures is included as Appendix B to this SAI. No later than August 31st of each year, the Fund will file Form N-PX stating how the Fund voted proxies
relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30th. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30 is ava ilable
(i) without charge, upon request, by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863; and (ii) on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
Principal Holders of Voting Securities. As of June 30, 20 20 , the Trustees and officers of the Trust as a group owned beneficially (i.e., had direct
or indirect voting and/or investment power) none of the then outstanding shares of the Fund. As of June 30, 2020, to the Trust’s knowledge, the following shareholders owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the
Fund . Shareholders owning 25% or more of outstanding shares may be in control and may be able to affect the outcome of certain matters presented for a vote of Shareholders.
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
Institutional Class Shares
|
Name and Address of Owner
|
Percentage of Ownership
|
Type of Ownership
|
Pershing, LLC
1 Pershing Plaza
Jersey City, NJ 07399
|
74.41%
|
Record 1
|
Charles Schwab & Co, Inc.
101 Montgomery Street
San Francisco, CA 94104
|
13.51%
|
Record 1
|
BNY Mellon
PO Box 534005
Pittsburgh, PA 15253
|
5.11%
|
Record 1
|
|
1.
|
The Fund believes that such entity does not have a beneficial ownership interest in such shares.
|
Investment Advisor. Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC dba Matisse Capital , located at 4949 Meadows Road, Suite 200, Lake Oswego, Oregon
97035 serves as the investment advisor to the Fund pursuant to the investment advisory agreement between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC . The Advisor is controlled by Bryn H. Torkelson, president
and sole owner. The Advisor supervises the Fund’s investments pursuant to the Advisory Agreement. The Advisory Agreement is effective for an initial two-year period and will be renewed thereafter only so long as such renewal and continuance is
specifically approved at least annually : (i) by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund; and (ii) by vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees , cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval . The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by the Trust by a vote of the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities upon 60 calendar days’
written notice or by the Advisor upon 60 calendar days’ written notice . The Advisory Agreement provides that it will terminate automatically in the event of its “assignment,” as such term is defined in the 1940 Act.
The Advisor manages the Fund’s investments in accordance with the stated policies of the Fund, subject to oversight by the Board . The Advisor is responsible for investment decisions and
provides the Fund with portfolio managers who are authorized to execute purchases and sales of securities.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Advisor is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the performance of such agreement, except
a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services; or a loss resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence on the part of the Advisor in the performance of its duties; or
from its reckless disregard of its duties and obligations under the Advisory Agreement.
For its investment advisory services to the Fund, the Advisor is paid a management fee by the Fund, based on a percentage of the Fund’s daily net assets, at an annual rate
of 0.99% of the Fund’s net assets.
Expense Limitation Agreement. In the interest of limiting expenses of the Fund, the Advisor has entered into an Expense Limitation Agreement with the
Trust, pursuant to which the Advisor has agreed to waive or limit its fees and to assume other expenses so that the total annual operating expenses of the Fund (exclusive (i) any front-end or contingent deferred loads; (ii) brokerage fees and
commissions, (i ii ) acquired fund fees and expenses; ( i v) fees and expenses associated with investments in other collective investment vehicles or derivative instruments (including for example option and swap fees and expenses); (v)
borrowing costs (such as interest and dividend expense on securities sold short); (vi) taxes; and (vii) extraordinary expenses, such as litigation expenses (which may include indemnification of Fund officers and Trustees and contractual
indemnification of Fund service providers (other than the Advisor)) is limited to 1.25%. The Expense Limitation Agreement runs through July 31, 202 1 , and may be terminated by the Board at any time. The Advisor cannot recoup from the Fund s
any amounts paid by the Advisor under the Expense Limitation Agreement. It is expected that the Expense Limitation Agreement will continue from year-to-year thereafter, provided such continuance is specifically approved by a majority of the
Trustees who (i) are not “interested persons” of the Trust or any other party to the Expense Limitation Agreement, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Expense
Limitation Agreement. The Advisor cannot recoup from the Fund any amounts paid by the Advisor under the Expense Limitation Agreement.
The following chart shows the total dollar amount that the Fund paid to Deschutes Portfolio Strategy, LLC dba Matisse Capital, during the last three fiscal years.
|
|
Advisory Fees
Incurred
|
Advisory Fees
Waived
|
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
March 31, 2020
|
$463,713
|
$137,871
|
|
March 31, 2019
|
$664,994
|
$104,446
|
|
March 31, 2018
|
$1,178,458
|
$90,579
|
Portfolio Managers. The Fund’s portfolios will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Bryn Torkelson and Eric Boughton, CFA.
Compensation. The compensation of each member of the portfolio management team varies with the general success of the Advisor as a firm. Compensation consists of a fixed annual salary, and
typically additional remuneration based on the Advisor’s assets under management. Compensation is not directly linked to the Fund’s performance, although positive performance and growth in managed assets are factors that may contribute to the
Advisor’s distributable profits and assets under management.
Ownership of Fund Shares. The table below shows the amount of the Fund’s equity securities beneficially owned by each member of the portfolio management team as of March 31, 20 20 and
stated as one of the following ranges: A = None; B = $1-$10,000; C = $10,001-$50,000; D = $50,001-$100,000; E = $100,001-$500,000; F = $500,001-$1,000,000; and G = over $1,000,000.
Name of
Portfolio Manager
|
Dollar Range of
Equity Securities in the Fund
|
Bryn Torkelson
|
F
|
Eric Boughton
|
E
|
Other Accounts. In addition to the Fund, the portfolio management team is responsible for the day-to-day management of certain other accounts. The
table below shows the number of, and total assets in, such other accounts as of March 31, 20 20 .
Portfolio
Management Team
|
Registered Investment
Companies
|
Other Pooled Investment
Vehicles
|
Other Accounts
|
Number of
Accounts
|
Total Assets
|
Number of
Accounts
|
Total Assets
|
Number of
Accounts
|
Total Assets
|
All Accounts
|
Bryn Torkelson
|
1
|
$67.5M
|
1
|
$12.1M
|
50
|
$244.3M
|
Eric Boughton
|
1
|
$67.5M
|
0
|
$0
|
11
|
$8.8M
|
Accounts with Performance-Based Advisory Fee
|
Bryn Torkelson
|
0
|
$0
|
1
|
$12.1M
|
0
|
$0
|
Eric Boughton
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
0
|
$0
|
Conflicts of Interests. The management of “other accounts” by the portfolio management team may give rise to potential conflicts of interest in connection with their
management of the Fund’s investments, on the one hand, and the investments of the other accounts, on the other. The other accounts consist of separately managed private clients (“Other Accounts”). The Other Accounts might have similar investment
objectives as the Fund, be compared to the same index as the Fund, or otherwise hold, purchase, or sell securities that are eligible to be held, purchased, or sold by the Fund.
Knowledge of the Timing and Size of Fund Trades: A potential conflict of interest may arise as a result of the portfolio manager’s day-to-day management of the Fund. The
portfolio manager knows the size and timing of trades for the Fund and the Other Accounts and may be able to predict the market impact of f und trades. It is theoretically possible that the portfolio manager could use this information to the
advantage of Other Accounts it manages and to the possible detriment of the Fund, or vice versa.
Investment Opportunities: The Advisor provides investment supervisory services for a number of investment products that have varying investment guidelines. The portfolio
manager works across different investment products. Differences in the compensation structures of the Advisor’s investment products may give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive for the Advisor to allocate the investment
opportunities it believes might be the most profitable to the client accounts where it might benefit the most from the investment gains.
Administrator. The Trust has entered into the Fund Accounting and Administration Agreement with The Nottingham Company (“Administrator”), located at 116
South Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27804. The Administrator assists the Trust in the performance of its administrative responsibilities to the Fund, coordinates and pays for the services of each vendor and the operating expense to
the Fund, and provides the Fund with certain administrative, fund accounting, and compliance services. As part of its services and fee arrangement, the Administrator receives compensation based on the Fund’s average daily net assets. The annual rate
is 0.10% on the average daily net assets under $100 million, and gradually decreases to an annual rate of 0.03% on the average daily net assets of $1 billion or more. The fee paid to the Administrator is calculated by multiplying the average daily
net assets of the Fund by the highest applicable annual rate.
The following shows the total dollar amounts that the Fund paid to the Administrator for the last three fiscal years:
Fund
|
2020
|
2019
|
2018
|
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
$48,779
|
$67,279
|
$112,865
|
Transfer Agent. The Trust has entered into a Dividend Disbursing and Transfer Agent Agreement with Nottingham Shareholder Services, LLC (“Transfer Agent”),
a North Carolina limited liability company, to serve as transfer, dividend paying, and shareholder servicing agent for the Fund. The address of the Transfer Agent is 116 South Franklin Street, Post Office Box 4365, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
27803-0365. The Transfer Agent is compensated for its services based upon a $21 fee per shareholder per year, subject to a minimum fee of $1,750 per month and $500 per month for each additional class of shares.
Distributor. The Fund will conduct a continuous offering of their securities. Capital Investment Group, Inc. (“Distributor”), located at 100 E Six Forks
Road, Suite 200, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609, acts as the underwriter and distributor of the Fund’s shares for the purpose of facilitating the registration of shares of the Fund under state securities laws and assisting in sales of f und
shares pursuant to a distribution agreement (“Distribution Agreement”) between the Trust, on behalf of the Fund, and the Distributor . In this regard, the Distributor has agreed at its own expense to qualify as a broker-dealer under all
applicable federal or state laws in those states that the Fund shall from time to time identify to the Distributor as states in which the Fund wishes to offer its shares for sale, in order that state registrations may be maintained for the Fund. The
Distributor is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a member in good standing of the FINRA. The Distributor is entitled to receive an annual fee of $5,000 per Fund for performing certain recordkeeping, communication, and other administrative
services for the Fund. Such administrative services shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) maintaining records with respect to submissions to FINRA, dealer discounts and brokerage fees and commissions, and selling agreements; (ii)
maintaining an account with the National Securities Clearing Corporation’s Fund/SERV System for the purpose of processing account registrations, maintaining accounts, and communicating transaction data; (iii) preparing reports for the Board as shall
be reasonably requested from time to time; and (iv) performing other services for the Trust as agreed to by the Distributor and the Trust from time to time. The Distributor and Trust agree that the services described above are of an administrative
nature and such services, as well as the fee provided in connection therewith, are not, nor are they intended to be, payment for marketing and/or distribution services related to, or the promotion of, the sale of the Fund’s shares. The Distribution
Agreement may be terminated by either party upon 60-days’ prior written notice to the other party and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The Distributor serves as exclusive agent for the distribution of the shares of the
Fund.
The Distributor for the Fund received the following commissions and other compensation during the fiscal year ended March 31, 20 20 :
Fund
|
Net Underwriting
Discounts and
Commissions
|
Compensation
on Redemptions
and Repurchases
|
Brokerage
Commissions
|
Other
Compensation
|
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
$ 0
|
$ 0
|
$ 0
|
$5,000
|
Custodian. UMB Bank, n.a., with its principal place of business located at 1010 Gran d Boulevard, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, serves as custodian for
the Fund’s assets. The custodian acts as the depository for the Fund, safekeeps its portfolio securities, collects all income and other payments with respect to portfolio securities, disburses monies at the Fund’s request, and maintains records in
connection with its duties as custodian. For its services, the custodian is entitled to receive a monthly fee from the Administrator based on the average net assets of the Fund plus additional out-of-pocket and transaction expenses as incurred by
the Fund
Compliance Services Administrator. The Trust has entered into a compliance services arrangement with The Nottingham Company , located at 116 S.
Franklin Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27802 . The Trust’s CCO will prepare and update the Trust’s compliance manual and monitor and test compliance with the policies and procedures under the Trust’s compliance manual.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. BBD, LLP, located at 1835 Market Street, 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19103, to serve as
the independent registered public accounting firm for the Fund s. The independent registered public accounting firm conducts an annual audit of the Fund’s financial statements, and prepare s the Fund’s federal, state, and excise tax
returns. Shareholders will receive annual audited and semi-annual (unaudited) reports when published and written confirmation of all transactions in their account. A copy of the most recent annual report will accompany the SAI whenever a shareholder
or a prospective investor requests it.
Legal Counsel. Greenberg Traurig LLP serves as legal counsel to the Trust and the Fund.
ADDITIONAL PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION INFORMATION
Reference is made to “Purchasing Shares” and “Redeeming Shares” in the Prospectus for more information concerning how to purchase and redeem shares. The following information supplements the
information regarding share purchases and share redemptions in the Prospectus:
Purchases. Shares of the Fund are offered and sold on a continuous basis and may be purchased through authorized investment dealers or directly by
contacting the Distributor, or the Fund directly. Selling dealers have the responsibility of transmitting orders promptly to the Fund. The purchase price of shares of the Fund is based on the NAV next determined after the order is received, subject
to the order being received by the Fund in good form. NAV is normally determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE on days the NYSE is open for trading, as described under “Net Asset Value”. The NAV per share of the
Fund is not calculated on days on which the NYSE is closed for holidays . An order received prior to the close of the NYSE will be executed at the price calculated on the date of receipt and an order received after the
time regular trading closes on the New York Stock Exchange will be executed at the price calculated as of that time on the next business day.
The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to: (i) suspend the offering of its shares; (ii) reject purchase orders when in the judgment of management such rejection is in the best interest
of the Fund and its shareholders; and (iii) reduce or waive the minimum for initial and subsequent investments under circumstances where certain economies can be achieved in sales of Fund shares.
The minimum initial investment in the Fund is $1,000, and the minimum for additional investments is $100 and is subject to change at any time.
Redemptions. The Fund may suspend redemption privileges or postpone the date of payment (i) during any period that the New York Stock Exchange is closed for
other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or that trading on the New York Stock Exchange is restricted as determined by the SEC; (ii) during any period when an emergency exists as defined by the rules of the SEC as a result of which it is
not reasonably practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it, or to determine fairly the value of its assets; and (iii) for such other periods as the SEC may permit. The Fund may also suspend or postpone the recordation of the
transfer of shares upon the occurrence of any of the foregoing conditions. Any redemption may be more or less than the shareholder’s cost depending on the market value of the securities held by the Fund. No charge is made by the Fund for
redemptions other than the possible charge for wiring redemption proceeds.
Involuntary Redemptions. In addition to the situations described in the Prospectus under “Redeeming Fund Shares,” the Fund may redeem shares involuntarily
to reimburse the Fund for any loss sustained by reason of the failure of a shareholder to make full payment for shares purchased by the shareholder or to collect any charge relating to a transaction effected for the benefit of a shareholder which is
applicable to Fund shares as provided in the Prospectus from time to time or to close a shareholder’s account if the Fund is unable to verify the shareholder’s identity.
Other Information. If an investor realizes a gain on the redemption, the reinvestment will not affect the amount of any federal capital gains tax payable on
the gain. If an investor realizes a loss on the redemption, the reinvestment may cause some or all of the loss to be disallowed as a tax deduction, depending on the number of shares purchased by reinvestment and the period of time that has elapsed
after the redemption, although for tax purposes, the amount disallowed is added to the cost of the shares acquired upon the reinvestment.
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
The Fund offers the following special shareholder services:
Regular Account. The regular account allows for voluntary investments to be made at any time. Available to individuals, custodians, corporations, trusts,
estates, corporate retirement plans, and others, investors are free to make additions to or withdrawals from their account. When an investor makes an initial investment in the Fund, a shareholder account is opened in accordance with the investor’s
registration instructions. Each time there is a transaction in a shareholder account, such as an additional investment or the reinvestment of a dividend or distribution, the shareholder will receive a confirm-ation statement showing the current
transaction and all prior transactions in the shareholder account during the calendar year to date, along with a summary of the status of the account as of the transaction date. As stated in the Prospectus, share certificates are normally not issued.
Automatic Investment Plan. The automatic investment plan enables shareholders to make regular monthly or quarterly investments in shares through automatic
charges to their checking account. With shareholder authorization and bank approval, the Administrator will automatically charge the checking account for the amount specified ($100 minimum) which will be automatically invested in shares at the NAV
on or about the 21st day of the month. The shareholder may change the amount of the investment or discontinue the plan at any time by writing to the Fund.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan. Shareholders owning Fund shares with a value of $5,000 or more may establish a systematic withdrawal plan (“Systematic Withdrawal
Plan”). A shareholder may receive monthly or quarterly payments, in amounts of not less than $100 per payment, by authorizing the Fund to redeem the necessary number of shares periodically (each month, or quarterly) in order to make the payments
requested. The Fund has the capability of electronically depositing the proceeds of the systematic withdrawal directly to the shareholders personal bank account ($5,000 minimum per bank wire). Instructions for establishing this service are included
in the Fund Shares Application or are available by calling the Fund. If the shareholder prefers to receive his or her systematic withdrawal proceeds in cash, or if such proceeds are less than the $5,000 minimum for a bank wire, checks will be
made payable to the designated recipient and mailed with-in seven days of the valuation date. If the designated recipient is other than the registered shareholder, the signature of each shareholder must be guaranteed on the application (see
“Redeeming Shares – Signature Guarantees” in the Prospectus). A corporation (or partnership) must also submit a “Corporate Resolution” (or “Certification of Partnership”) indi-cat-ing the names, titles, and required number of signatures auth-orized
to act on its behalf. The application must be signed by a duly authori-zed officer and the corporate seal affixed. Costs in conjunction with the administration of the plan are borne by the Fund. Shareholders should be aware that such systematic
withdrawals may deplete or use up entirely their initial investment and may result in real-ized long-term or short-term capital gains or losses. The Systematic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund upon 60-days’ written notice or
by a shareholder upon written notice to the Fund. Applications and further details may be obtained by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863 or by writing to:
Matisse Discounted Closed-End Fund Strategy
|
c/o Nottingham Shareholder Services
|
116 South Franklin Street
|
Post Office Box 4365
|
Rocky Mount, North Carolina 27803-0365
|
Purchases In Kind. The Fund may accept securities in lieu of payment for the purchase of shares in the Fund. The acceptance of such securities is at the
sole discretion of the Advisor based upon the suitability of the securities accepted for inclusion as a long-term investment of the Fund, the marketability of such securities, and other factors that the Advisor may deem appropriate. If accepted, the
securities will be valued using the same criteria and methods as described in “Purchase and Redemption Price – Determining the Fund’s Net Asset Value” in the Prospectus.
Redemptions In-Kind. The Fund does not intend, under normal circumstances, to redeem its securities by payment in kind. It is possible, however, that
conditions may arise in the future which would, in the opinion of the Trustees, make it undesirable for the Fund to pay for all redemptions in cash. In such case the Trustees may authorize payment to be made in readily marketable portfolio securities
of the Fund. The securities will be chosen by the Fund, may be either pro rata payment of each of the securities held by the Fund or a representative sample of securities, and will be valued at the same value assigned to them in computing the NAV per
share. Shareholders receiving them would incur brokerage costs when these securities are sold. An irrevocable election has been filed under Rule 18f‑1 of the 1940 Act, wherein the Fund committed to pay redemptions in cash, rather than in kind, to any
shareholder of record of the Fund who redeems during any 90-day period, the lesser of (a) $250,000 or (b) one percent (1%) of the Fund’s NAV at the beginning of such period.
Transfer of Registration. To transfer shares to another owner, send a written request to the Fund at the address shown above. Your request should include
the following: (i) the Fund name and existing account registration; (ii) signatures of the registered owners exactly as the signature appear on the account registration; (iii) the new account registration, address, social security or taxpayer
identification number, and how dividends and capital gains are to be distributed; (iv) signature guarantees (See the Prospectus under the heading “Signature Guarantees”); and (v) any additional documents which are required for transfer by
corporations, administrators, executors, trustees, guardians, etc. If you have any questions about transferring shares, call or write the Fund.
Employees and Affiliates of the Fund. The Fund has adopted initial investment minimums for the purpose of reducing the cost to the Fund (and consequently to
the shareholders) of communicating with and servicing its shareholders. At the discretion of the Advisor, the Fund may allow investments in the Fund with a reduced minimum initial investment from its Trustees, officers, and employees; the Advisor and
certain parties related thereto; including clients of the Advisor or any sponsor, officer, committee member thereof, or the immediate family of any of them. In addition, accounts having the same mailing address may be aggregated for purposes of the
minimum investment if they consent in writing to sharing a single mailing of shareholder reports, proxy statements (but each such shareholder would receive his/her own proxy), and other Fund literature.
DISCLOSURE OF PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS
The Board has adopted a policy that governs the disclosure of portfolio holdings. This policy is intended to ensure that such disclosure is in the best interests of the shareholders of the
Fund and to address possible conflicts of interest. Under the Fund’s policy, the Fund generally will not disclose the Fund’s portfolio holdings to a third party unless such information is made available to the public. The policy provides that the
Fund may disclose non-public portfolio holdings information as required by law and under other limited circumstances that are set forth in more detail below.
The Fund will generally make portfolio holdings information available to the public at http://www.ncfunds.com/holdings/current-125.htm, including the complete portfolio holdings from the
previous day as reported on a monthly basis. This information is generally available within ten days of the month end and will remain available until the next month’s portfolio holdings report becomes available. You may obtain a copy of these monthly
portfolio holdings reports by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863. The Fund will also file these quarterly portfolio holdings reports with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N- PORT , as applicable. The Fund’s Form N-CSR and Form N- PORT are
available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec. The first and third quarter portfolio holdings reports will be filed with the SEC on Form N- PORT and the second and fourth fiscal quarter portfolio holdings reports will be included with the
semi-annual and annual financial statements, respectively, which are sent to shareholders and filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR.
To the extent that the Fund’s portfolio holdings have previously been disclosed publicly either through a filing made with the SEC on Form N-CSR or Form N- PORT , such holdings may also be
disclosed to any third party that requests them.
Consistent with policies approved by the Board, the officers of the Fund will share non-public portfolio holdings information with the Fund’s service providers that require such information for
legitimate business and Fund oversight purposes. Recipients of non-public portfolio holdings information have a duty not to trade on that confidential information. The Fund has not (and does not intend to) enter into any arrangement providing for the
receipt of compensation or other consideration in exchange for the disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information, other than the benefits that result to the Fund and its shareholders from providing such information, which include the
publication of Fund ratings and rankings.
The Advisor, as well as the custodian, fund accountant and Administrator, and CCO, have full daily access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings. These service providers are subject to obligations
requiring them to keep non-public portfolio holdings information confidential. In some, but not all, cases these confidentiality obligations are established by written agreements. The Board has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place
for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Fund from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings information. In addition, the Advisor has a code of ethics that prohibits covered persons from disclosing or trading based on
non-public portfolio holdings information.
The Fund’s distributor, transfer agent, independent public accountants, and legal counsel have access to the Fund’s portfolio holdings on an ad hoc, as needed basis. The distributor and transfer
agent are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The independent public accountants and legal counsel are subject to professional obligations that require them to keep
non-public portfolio holdings information confidential. The Board has concluded that the confidentiality obligations in place for these parties are adequate to safeguard the Fund from unauthorized disclosure of non-public portfolio holdings
information.
Broadridge ICS, V.G. Reed & Sons, PrintGrafix (a division of Sunbelt Graphic Systems, Inc.), Riverside Printing, Inc., and PrinterLink Communications Group, Inc. are financial printers
the Fund may engage for, among other things, the printing and/or distribution of regulatory and compliance documents. These service providers are subject to written agreements that establish confidentiality obligations with respect to the Fund’s
portfolio holdings.
The Fund and its service providers may also provide non-public portfolio holdings information to appropriate regulatory agencies as required by applicable laws and regulations.
The Fund currently does not provide non-public portfolio holdings information to any other third parties. In the future, the Advisor may establish ongoing arrangements with other third parties if
the Advisor determines that the Fund has a legitimate business purpose for doing so, determines that the disclosure is in the shareholders' best interest, and the recipient is subject to a duty of confidentiality. These parties could include, by way
of example, financial data processing companies that provide automated data scanning and monitoring services for the Fund, research companies that allow the Advisor to perform attribution analysis for the Fund; and the Advisor’s proxy voting agent to
assess and vote proxies on behalf of the Fund. The Advisor is responsible for determining which other third parties have a legitimate business purpose for receiving the Fund’s portfolio holdings information.
The Fund’s policy regarding disclosure of portfolio holdings is subject to the continuing oversight and direction of the Board . Oversight includes: (i) review and approval of the policy on
disclosure of portfolio holdings as necessary, including review of the parties receiving non-public portfolio holdings information; (ii) periodic assessment of compliance in connection with a report from the Trust’s CCO, (iii) receipt of reports on
any conflicts of interest where disclosure of information about portfolio holdings may conflict or appear to conflict with the interests of the Fund’s investment advisor, any principal underwriter for the Trust or an affiliated person of the Trust,
and (iv) receipt of reports on any known disclosure of the Fund’s portfolio holdings to unauthorized third parties. The Fund and Advisor are obligated to report issues that arise under the policy on disclosure of portfolio holdings to the CCO.
Material compliance matters must be reported to the Board of Trustees.
NET ASSET VALUE
The NAV of the Fund is determined at the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 p.m .) . The Fund’s NAV is not calculated on the days on which the NYSE is closed .
The NYSE generally recognizes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, President’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The days on which these
holidays are observed and any other holiday recognized by the NYSE will be deemed a business holiday on which the NAV of the Fund will not be calculated.
The NAV per share of the Fund is calculated separately by adding the value of the Fund’s securities and other assets belonging to the Fund, subtracting the liabilities charged to the Fund, and
dividing the result by the number of outstanding shares of the Fund . “Assets belonging to” the Fund consist of the consideration received upon the issuance of shares of the Fund together with all net investment income, realized gains/losses
and proceeds derived from the investment thereof, including any proceeds from the sale of such investments, any funds or payments derived from any reinvestment of such proceeds, and a portion of any general assets of the Trust not belonging to a
particular series of shares. Assets belonging to the Fund are charged with the direct liabilities of the Fund and with a share of the general liabilities of the Trust, which are normally allocated in proportion to the number of or the relative NAVs
of all of the Trust’s series at the time of allocation or in accordance with other allocation methods approved by the Trustees. Subject to the provisions of the Trust Instrument, determinations by the Trustees as to the direct and allocable
liabilities, and the allocable portion of any general assets, with respect to the Fund and the classes of the Fund are conclusive.
The pricing and valuation of portfolio securities is determined in good faith in accordance with procedures established by, and under the direction of, the Trustees. Values are determined according
to generally accepted accounting practices and all laws and regulations that apply. Using methods approved by the Trustees, the assets of the Fund are valued as follows:
•
|
Securities that are listed on a securities exchange are valued at the last quoted sales price provided by a third-party pricing service at the time the valuation is made. Price information on listed
securities is taken from the exchange where the security is primarily traded by the Fund.
|
•
|
Securities that are listed on an exchange and which are not traded on the valuation date are valued at the bid price.
|
•
|
Unlisted securities for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest quoted sales price, if available, at the time of valuation, otherwise, at the latest quoted bid price.
|
•
|
Foreign securities listed on foreign exchanges are valued with quotations from the primary market in which they are traded and are translated from the local currency into U.S. dollars using current exchange
rates.
|
•
|
Temporary cash investments with maturities of 60 days or less will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates market value.
|
•
|
Securities for which no current quotations are readily available are valued at fair value as determined in good faith using methods approved by the Trustees. Securities may be valued on the basis of prices
provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
|
ADDITIONAL TAX INFORMATION
The following summarizes certain additional tax considerations generally affecting the Fund and its shareholders that are not described in the Prospectus. No attempt is made to present a detailed
explanation of the tax treatment of the Fund or its shareholders or any particular category of shareholders. The discussions here and in the Prospectus are not intended as a substitute for careful tax planning and are based on United States federal
income tax laws that are in effect on the date hereof and which may be changed by legislative, judicial, or administrative action. In addition, no attempt is made to address tax concerns applicable to an investor with a special tax status such as a
financial institution, REIT, insurance company, regulated investment company, individual retirement account, other tax-exempt entity, dealer in securities or non-U.S. investor. Furthermore, this discussion does not reflect possible application of the
alternative minimum tax. Unless otherwise noted, this discussion assumes the common shares are held by U.S. persons and that such shares are held as capital assets. Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors with specific reference to their
own tax situations.
The Fund, and any other series of the Trust, will be treated as a separate corporate entity under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), and intends to qualify or remain qualified
as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In order to so qualify, the Fund must elect to be a regulated investment company or have made such an election for a previous year and must satisfy certain requirements relating to
the amount of distributions and source of its income for a taxable year. At least 90% of the gross income of the Fund must be derived from dividends, interest, payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other disposition of
stocks, securities, or foreign currencies, and other income derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and net income derived from an interest in a qualified publicly traded partnership. Any
income derived by the Fund from a partnership (other than a qualified publicly traded partnership) or trust is treated as derived with respect to the Fund’s business of investing in stock, securities, or currencies only to the extent that such income
is attributable to items of income that would have been qualifying income if realized by the Fund in the same manner as by the partnership or trust.
An investment company may not qualify as a regulated investment company for any taxable year unless it satisfies certain requirements with respect to the diversification of its investments at the
close of each quarter of the taxable year. In general, at least 50% of the value of its total assets must be represented by cash, cash items, government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies, and other securities which, with
respect to any one issuer, do not represent more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund or more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer. In addition, not more than 25% of the value of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in
(i) the securities (other than government securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one issuer; (ii) the securities of two or more issuers (other than securities of another regulated investment company) if the
issuers are controlled by the Fund and they are, pursuant to Internal Revenue Service Regulations, engaged in the same or similar or related trades or businesses; or (iii) the securities of one or more publicly traded partnerships. The Fund intends
to satisfy all requirements on an ongoing basis for continued qualification as a regulated investment company.
Some, but not all, of the dividends paid by the Fund may be taxable at the reduced long-term capital gains tax rate for individual shareholders. If the Fund designates a dividend as qualified
dividend income, it generally will be taxable to individual shareholders at the long-term capital gains tax rate, provided certain holding period requirements are met.
Taxable dividends paid by the Fund to corporate shareholders will be taxed at corporate income tax rates. Corporate shareholders may be entitled to a dividends received deduction (“DRD”) for a
portion of the dividends paid and designated by the Fund as qualifying for the DRD.
If the Fund designates a dividend as a capital gains distribution, it generally will be taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long the shareholders have held their
Fund shares or whether they received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. All taxable dividends paid by the Fund other than those designated as qualified dividend income or capital gains distributions will be taxable as ordinary income to
shareholders, whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares. To the extent the Fund engages in increased portfolio turnover, short-term capital gains may be realized, and any distribution resulting from such gains will be considered
ordinary income for federal tax purposes. The Fund’s net realized capital gains from securities transactions will be distributed only after reducing such gains by the amount of any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital losses may be carried
forward indefinitely and retain the character of the original loss. Capital loss carryforwards are available to offset future realized capital gains. To the extent that these carryforwards are used to offset future capital gains it is probable that
the amount offset will not be distributed to shareholders. As of March 31, 20 20 , the Fund had no capital loss carryforwards.
Certain individuals, estates, and trusts must pay a 3.8% Medicare surtax on “net investment income” including, among other things, dividends, and proceeds of sale in respect of securities like the
shares, subject to certain exceptions. Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this surtax on their ownership and disposition of the shares.
Shareholders who hold Fund shares in a tax-deferred account, such as a retirement plan, generally will not have to pay tax on Fund distributions until they receive distributions from their account.
The Fund, and any other series of the Trust, will designate (i) any dividend of qualified dividend income as qualified dividend income; (ii) any distribution of long-term capital gains as a capital
gain dividend; and (iii) any dividend eligible for the corporate DRD as such in a written notice mailed to shareholders within 60 days after the close of the Fund’s taxable year. Shareholders should note that, upon the sale or exchange of Fund
shares, if such shares have not been held for at least six months, any loss on the sale or exchange of those shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the capital gain dividends received with respect to the shares.
To the extent that a distribution from the Fund is taxable, it is generally included in a shareholder’s gross income for the taxable year in which the shareholder receives the distribution.
However, if the Fund declares a dividend in October, November, or December but pays it in January, it will be taxable to shareholders as if the dividend was received in the year it was declared. Every year, each shareholder will receive a statement
detailing the tax status of any Fund distributions for that year.
A 4% nondeductible excise tax is imposed on regulated investment companies that fail to currently distribute an amount equal to specified percentages of their ordinary taxable income and capital
gain net income (excess of capital gains over capital losses). The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions or deemed distributions of its ordinary taxable income and any capital gain net income prior to the end of each calendar year to avoid
liability for this excise tax.
If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify for the special federal income tax treatment afforded regulated investment companies, all of its taxable income will be subject to federal income
tax at regular corporate rates (without any deduction for distributions to its shareholders) at the Fund level. In such event, dividend distributions (whether or not derived from interest on tax-exempt securities) would be taxable as qualified
dividends to individual shareholders, to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, and would be eligible for the DRD for corporations, provided in each case that certain holding period and other requirements are met.
In general, a shareholder who sells or redeems shares will realize a capital gain or loss, which will be long-term or short-term, depending upon the shareholder’s holding period for the Fund
shares. An exchange of shares may be treated as a sale and any gain may be subject to tax.
The Fund will be required in certain cases to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of taxable dividends or of gross proceeds realized upon sale paid to shareholders who (i) have
failed to provide a correct taxpayer identification number in the manner required; (ii) are subject to back-up withholding by the Internal Revenue Service for failure to include properly on their return payments of taxable interest or dividends; or
(iii) have failed to certify to the Fund that they are not subject to backup withholding when required to do so. Back-up withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld from payments to you may be refunded or credited against your U.S.
federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.
Depending upon the extent of the Fund’s activities in states and localities in which its offices are maintained, in which its agents or independent contractors are located, or in which it is
otherwise deemed to be conducting business, the Fund may be subject to the tax laws of such states or localities. In addition, in those states and localities that have income tax laws, the treatment of the Fund and its shareholders under such laws
may differ from their treatment under federal income tax laws.
Dividends paid by the Fund to non-U.S. shareholders may be subject to U.S. withholding tax unless reduced by treaty (and the shareholder files a valid Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN, or other
applicable form, with the Fund certifying foreign status and treaty eligibility) or the non-U.S. shareholder files an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI, or other applicable form, with the Fund certifying that the investment to which the
distribution relates is effectively connected to a United States trade or business of such non-U.S. shareholder (and, if certain tax treaties apply, is attributable to a United States permanent establishment maintained by such non-U.S. shareholder).
The Fund may elect not to withhold the applicable withholding tax on any distribution representing a capital gain dividend to a non-U.S. shareholder. Special rules may apply to non-U.S. shareholders with respect to the information reporting
requirements and withholding taxes and non-U.S. shareholders should consult their tax advisors with respect to the application of such reporting requirements and withholding taxes.
The Fund will send shareholders information each year on the tax status of dividends and distributions. A dividend or capital gains distribu-tion paid shortly after shares have been purchased,
although in effect a return of investment, is subject to federal income taxa-tion. Dividends from net investment income, along with capital gains, will be taxable to shareholders, whether received in cash or Fund shares and no matter how long the
shareholder has held Fund shares, even if they reduce the NAV of shares below the shareholder’s cost and thus, in effect, result in a return of a part of the shareholder’s investment.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements of the Fund for the fiscal year ended March 31, 20 20 , including the financial highlights appearing in the Annual Report to shareholders, are incorporated by
reference and made a part of this document. You may request a copy of the Fund’s annual and semi-annual reports at no charge by calling the Fund at 1-800-773-3863.
APPENDIX A –DESCRIPTION OF RATINGS
The Fund may acquire from time to time certain securities that meet the following minimum rating criteria (“Investment-Grade Debt Securities”) (or if not rated, of equivalent quality as determined
by the Advisor). The various ratings used by the nationally recognized securities rating services are described below.
A rating by a rating service represents the service’s opinion as to the credit quality of the security being rated. However, the ratings are general and are not absolute standards of quality or
guarantees as to the creditworthiness of an issuer. Consequently, the Advisor believes that the quality of Investment-Grade Debt Securities in which the Fund may invest should be continuously reviewed and that individual analysts give different
weightings to the various factors involved in credit analysis. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell, or hold a security, because it does not take into account market value or suitability for a particular investor. When a security has
received a rating from more than one service, each rating is evaluated independently. Ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or obtained by the rating services from other sources that they consider reliable. Ratings may be
changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information, or for other reasons.
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services. The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services (“S&P”), a
division of McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., for bonds which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities by the Advisor:
AAA – This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and indicates an extremely strong capacity of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.
AA – Debt rated AA differs from AAA issues only in a small degree. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong.
A – Debt rated A is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher-rated categories. However, the
obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is still strong.
BBB – Debt rated BBB exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of
the obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
To provide more detailed indications of credit quality, the AA, A, and BBB ratings may be modified by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within these major rating
categories.
Bonds rated BB, B, CCC, CC, and C are not considered by the Advisor to be Investment-Grade Debt Securities and are regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the
lowest degree of speculation and C the highest degree of speculation. While such bonds may have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
Commercial paper rated A‑1 by S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is strong. Those issues determined to possess extremely strong safety characteristics are denoted
A‑1+. Capacity for timely payment on commercial paper rated A‑2 is satisfactory, but the relative degree of safety is not as high as for issues designated A‑1.
The rating SP‑1 is the highest rating assigned by S&P to short term notes and indicates strong capacity to pay principal and interest. An issue determined to possess a very strong capacity to
pay debt service is given a plus (+) designation. The rating SP‑2 indicates a satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term of the notes. The rating SP-3
indicates a speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.
Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) for fixed-income
obligations with an original maturity of one year or more, which are deemed to be Investment-Grade Securities by the Advisor:
Aaa – Bond obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, with minimal credit risk.
Aa – Bond obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A – Bond obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa – Bond obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics.
Obligations that are rated Ba, B, Caa, Ca, or C by Moody’s are not considered “Investment-Grade Debt Securities” by the Advisor. Obligations rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements and
are subject to substantial credit risk. Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. Obligations rated Caa are judged to be of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Note: Moody’s appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category.
Short-Term Ratings.
Moody’s short-term ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to honor short-term financial obligations. Ratings may be assigned to issuers, short-term programs, or individual short-term debt
instruments. Such obligations generally have an original maturity not exceeding thirteen months, unless explicitly noted.
Moody’s employs the following designations to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
P-1 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-1 have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-2 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-2 have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
P-3 – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Prime-3 have an acceptable ability to repay short-term debt obligations.
NP – Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
Note: Canadian issuers rated P-1 or P-2 have their short-term ratings enhanced by the senior-most long-term rating of the issuer, its guarantor, or support-provider.
US Municipal Short-Term Debt And Demand Obligation Ratings.
Short-Term Debt Ratings. There are three rating categories for short-term municipal obligations that are considered investment grade. These ratings are
designated as Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) and are divided into three levels – MIG 1 through MIG 3. In addition, those short-term obligations that are of speculative quality are designated SG, or speculative grade. MIG ratings expire at the
maturity of the obligation.
MIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated
broad-based access to the market for refinancing.
MIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Margins of protection are ample, although not as large as in the preceding group.
MIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow, and market access for refinancing is likely to be less
well-established.
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Debt instruments in this category may lack sufficient margins of protection.
Demand Obligation Ratings. In the case of variable rate demand obligations (VRDOs), a two-component rating is assigned; a long or short-term debt rating
and a demand obligation rating. The first element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with scheduled principal and interest payments. The second element represents Moody’s evaluation of the degree of risk associated with
the ability to receive purchase price upon demand (“demand feature”), using a variation of the MIG rating scale, the Variable Municipal Investment Grade or VMIG rating.
When either the long- or short-term aspect of a VRDO is not rated, that piece is designated NR, e.g., Aaa/NR or NR/VMIG 1.
VMIG rating expirations are a function of each issue’s specific structural or credit features.
VMIG 1 – This designation denotes superior credit quality. Excellent protection is afforded by the superior short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural
and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 2 – This designation denotes strong credit quality. Good protection is afforded by the strong short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and structural and legal
protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
VMIG 3 – This designation denotes acceptable credit quality. Adequate protection is afforded by the satisfactory short-term credit strength of the liquidity provider and
structural and legal protections that ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
SG – This designation denotes speculative-grade credit quality. Demand features rated in this category may be supported by a liquidity provider that does not have an investment
grade short-term rating or may lack the structural and/or legal protections necessary to ensure the timely payment of purchase price upon demand.
Fitch Ratings. The following summarizes the highest four ratings used by Fitch, Inc. (“Fitch”):
Long-Term Ratings.
AAA – Highest credit quality. The rating AAA denotes that the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned only in case of exceptionally strong capacity for timely
payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.
AA – Very high credit quality. The rating AA denotes a very low expectation of credit risk. They indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A – High credit quality. The rating A denotes a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is considered strong. This capacity
may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to changes in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher rating.
BBB – Good credit quality. The rating BBB indicates that there is currently a low expectation of credit risk. The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is
considered adequate, but adverse changes in circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowest investment grade category.
Long-term securities rated below BBB by Fitch are not considered by the Advisor to be investment-grade securities. Securities rated BB and B are regarded as speculative with regard to a possible
credit risk developing. BB is considered speculative and B is considered highly speculative. Securities rated CCC, CC, and C are regarded as a high default risk. A rating CC indicates that default of some kind appears probable, while a rating C
signals imminent default. Securities rated DDD, D, and D indicate a default has occurred.
Short-Term Ratings.
F1 – Highest credit quality. The rating F1 indicates the strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may have an added (+) to denote any exceptionally strong
credit feature.
F2 – Good credit quality. The rating F2 indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment of financial commitment, but the margin of safety is not as great as in the case of
the higher ratings.
F3 – Fair credit quality. The rating F3 indicates the capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is adequate; however, near-term adverse changes could result in a
reduction to non-investment grade.
B – Speculative. The rating B indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic
conditions.
Short-term rates B, C, and D by Fitch are considered by the Advisor to be below investment-grade securities. Short-term securities rated B are considered speculative, securities rated C have a
high default risk, and securities rated D denote actual or imminent payment default.
(+) or (-) suffixes may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating categories. Such suffixes are not added to long-term ratings “AAA” category, categories below “CCC”,
or short-term ratings other than “F1”. The suffix “NR” indicates that Fitch does not publicly rate the issuer or issue in question.